This heritage month of May, they will find that there is more to the city than its exciting river rapids and rafting courses.

A unique four-day cultural adventure awaits locals and tourists from April 29 to May 2 when the annual Filipino Heritage Festival kicks off in Cagayan de Oro.

"We are proud to host this year’s opening ceremonies, as this will give us the opportunity to showcase our many heritage sites, tourist attractions, local cuisine, age-old traditions, and home-grown talents in song, dance, and theater," said Dr. Herbert Glenn Reyes, festival chair for Northern Mindanao.

The Cagayan de Oro Consortium for Culture and the Arts, Capitol University, the Rondalla of Pilgrim Institute, the Kalimulan Cultural Dance Troupe, and ethnic musician and visual artist Rhyan Casiño, are among the talents who will welcome guests with their cultural repertoire on April 29.

A demonstration of traditional arts and crafts (Maranao and Higaonon weaving, Subanen baskets, mats, pottery and beads) and exhibit of churches will open on that same day.

Day Two (April 30) of the festival will feature a tour of the province’s museums; walking tours of the St. Augustine Cathedral, Gaston Park, Divisoria, and the Xavier University Museum; a lecture by Professor Felipe de Leon, Jr. on the "Image of the Filipino in the Arts: A Heritage of Well-Being"; and a Balagtasan.

In keeping with this year’s theme "The Filipino Epic," the Darangen epic of the Maranaos will be performed by the Kagay-an Performing Arts group.

Misamis Oriental’s heritage sites including those in the municipalities of Lagongdong, Jasaan and Balingasag will be visited on May 1. A sinamay weaving demo; a taste of local gastronomic delights; traditional games; and a choral concert featuring eight glee clubs all form part of the grand fiesta.

The Museum of Three Cultures will open on May 2.

The Filipino Heritage Festival led by officers Anna Maria Harper, Armita Rufino, and Araceli Salas, the Department of Tourism, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, are working with the city government of Cagayan de Oro, the provincial government of Misamis Oriental, and its various cultural groups and universities to ensure a fun and informative celebration.

For more information on National Heritage Month, visit the Filipino Heritage website at http://filheritagefest.fateback.com.