Tribu Paghidaet Philippine performers in Onehunga, Auckland, New Zealand

This afternoon, some lucky onlookers in Onehunga were treated to a vibrant surprise at Tin Tacks Reserve — an impromptu performance of drums, colour, and high-energy dance. Tribu Paghidaet, a group of performers from the Philippines’ famous Dinagyang Festival, brought the reserve to life with traditional dance, powerful rhythms, and spectacular costumes. Tin Tacks Reserve sits right beside Momma Fe Cantina Café, whose owner helped sponsor today’s event — a fitting backdrop for such a lively cultural showcase. The troupe is currently in Aotearoa as part of a cultural exchange with Ruapōtaka Marae in Glen Innes and delighted the crowd with a taste of their world-class festival performances. The Dinagyang Festival, held each January in Iloilo City, is the Philippines’ largest religious and cultural celebration. It honours Santo Niño, the Holy Child, and commemorates the historic pact between Malay settlers and the Indigenous people of Panay. The festival typically features more than 100 drummers accompanying the dancers — today’s show offered a small but exciting glimpse of that energy.