Multi-merriment

The first Santo Nino Festival combines three Filipino celebrations

DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Jonah Inocelda dressed in a traditional tribal costume from Iloilo in the Philippines yesterday as part of the first Santo Nino Festival, which combines the festivals of Ati-Atihan of Aklan, the Dinagyang of Iloilo and the Sinulog of Cebu. Inocelda and others dressed like him are from the Waipahu High School soccer team. The event featured a parade through Waikiki, food booths, cultural presentations, martial arts exhibitions and entertainment by local and mainland-based performers at Kapiolani Park.

DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Vicar General Joseph Grimaldi gave communion to Rose Bumanglag yesterday. Communion was given after the parade through Waikiki and before the entertainment began at Kapiolani Park.

DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Monica Mendoza, 8, above left and in front, and Melissa Swan, 9, performed a hip-hop dance. They are with the NIX Performing Arts Center.

DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM
Mary Shigel Coronado, 12, above right, carried the Santo Nino, which represents the Baby Jesus, during the Pit Senor Santo Nino, a traditional ritualized dance asking for good health by making an offering to Santo Nino. The dancers belong to the Tribe of Cebu, Pundok Sa Kapiolani.