After four years since the pandemic, residents here celebrated the Gini-akan Festival in honor of their patron, the Señor Sto. Niño.

The term "Gini-akan" originates from the word "gi-ok," which means the traditional way of refining the clay by stepping on it.  

Renowned as the clay town of the province, Baroy boasts an abundant deposit of top-quality clay that is used for making beautiful jars, pots, and other earthenware.

Mayor Grelina Mantohac-Lim revealed plans to revive and develop the pottery industry to attract investors and create job opportunities for residents. 

“Hopefully, kung panalinganan mi sa among Señor Sto Niño, amo mapalambo, magpahimo mi ug village. Mao na akong gihuna huna. Dili ra kana, maghimo mi mga craft [Hopefully, if we are blessed by our Señor Sto. Niño, we will develop and create a village. That's what I've been thinking about. It's not just that; we will  also produce other crafts]," she said. 

Showcase of creativity and talent

The highlight of the celebration was the invitational Gini-akan Festival street dancing competition, where four contingents showcased their creativity and talents. 

Lanao del Norte National Comprehensive High School (LNNCHS) was hailed as the grand champion and won a P100,000 cash prize. 

Meanwhile, the contingent from Linamon, Lanao del Norte, secured the 1st runner-up spot and took the   P75,000 cash prize, while the Sto. Niño Academy won as the 2nd runner-up with a prize of P50,000.  Moreover, Barangay Magpatao in Lala town received a consolation prize of P20,000.

Lyca Sarao, a 17-year-old student from LNNCHS, was crowned festival queen. She emphasized the meticulous attention to detail in their attire and props, which she considers distinct from others.  Despite the limited time for preparation, she is overwhelmed by the support she receives from her colleagues.

“Syempre happy kaayo ug dako kaayo akong pasalamat nga na-experience na pud namo ni karon. Happy ko nga gi-represent namo ang amoang school [Of course, I am very happy and thankful for the experience we had today. I am happy that we represented our school],” she said. 

Meanwhile, Princess Cañete from Linamon town said she did not expect that they would win as the 1st runner-up in the competition as they had transportation challenges and limited participation in street dancing. By joining the competition, she learned the importance of discipline.

“Thank you kaayo sa akong family nga nag-support, sa choreographer ug sa organization nga naapil ko ani nga competition [Thank you very much to my family for supporting me, to the choreographer, and to the organization that I was able to join in this competition],” she said.

Rich devotion to Señor Sto. Niño 

The festival also highlighted the strong devotion of the community to Señor Sto Niño. 

Despite initial doubts, Shirlyn Catambacan from Barangay Magpatao, Lala town, found confidence in performing, attributing her strength to Sto. Niño's guidance. 

“Salig jud ko kay Sto. Niño kay bisag lisod man gani dal-on ang costume, gitagaan jud ko niya’g kusog nga makaperform [I trust in Sto. Niño because even though it is difficult to carry the costume, He gave me the strength to perform]," she said.

Meanwhile, Reyna Montesa, from Sto. Niño Academy, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent and participate in the event to showcase devotion to Señor Sto. Niño and attract blessings. She also thanked the local government for reviving the festivities after the pandemic.

“Ako mutoo jud ko kay daghan kaayo miracles sa ako kinabuhi tungod kay nisalig ko ni Señor Sto Niño [I really believe in Him because there have been many miracles in my life because I trust in Señor Sto Niño],” she said. 

For her, waking up in the morning is a blessing. She also hopes to be granted a long life.

Baroy's Gini-akan Festival not only celebrates creativity but also illuminates the deep devotion of its residents to Señor Sto. Niño.  The festival showcased the vibrant culture, creativity of the people, and faith thriving in their town. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)