What do you call ninong in English?

There is no single, direct English equivalent for "ninong" because it carries cultural and social nuances specific to Filipino culture.

Here's a breakdown of how you might translate "ninong" depending on the context:

* "Ninong" as a Godfather: In the context of a baptism, "ninong" is closest to "godfather".

* "Ninong" as a Sponsor: If "ninong" refers to a sponsor in a different context (like a wedding or confirmation), "sponsor" would be the appropriate translation.

* "Ninong" as a Close Male Friend: Sometimes, "ninong" signifies a close male friend or mentor, in which case you could use "close friend", "mentor", or "uncle figure".

Ultimately, the best way to translate "ninong" depends on the specific context and how the relationship is understood within the Filipino culture.