RIZAL IN
Hongkong
AND
La Liga Filipina
Rizal in Hong Kong
On November 20, 1891, Dr. Jose Rizal arrived in Hong Kong.
He was warmly welcomed by Filipino residents, especially
his old friend, Jose Ma. Basa.
Dr. Rizal established his residence at No. 5 D'Aguilar Street
and opened a medical clinic.
He lived at No. 5 D'Aguilar Street, No. 2 Rednaxola Terrace.
This became his home and medical practice in Hong Kong.
It was a pivotal location during his stay in the city.
Rizal in Hong Kong
(Request to Return Home)
On December 1, 1891, Dr. Rizal wrote to his parents,
seeking their permission to return home.
He expressed his desire to be with his family during
their difficult times.
Rizal in Hong Kong
(Historic letter from Hidalgo)
Manuel T. Hidalgo, Rizal's brother-in-law, wrote a
letter to Dr. Rizal.
The letter informed him of the deportation of family
members and others from Calamba.
Hidalgo expressed the family's despair and efforts
to seek justice and protection.
Rizal’s Happiest Yuletide Celebration
(Family Reunion in Hong Kong)
Before Christmas of 1891, Dr. Jose Rizal was joined by
his family in Hong Kong.
His father, brother, and brother-in-law Silvestre
Ubaldo arrived, followed by his mother and sisters
Lucia, Josefa, and Trinidad.
Rizal’s Happiest Yuletide Celebration
(Mother's Ordeal)
In 1890, Rizal's mother was arrested on a flimsy
charge related to her surname.
Despite her advanced age and blindness, she was
forced by a cruel Spanish officer to walk from
Calamba to Santa Cruz.
Rizal’s Happiest Yuletide Celebration
(Joyous Christmas in Hong Kong)
The Christmas of 1891 in Hong Kong was a joyful
and heartwarming occasion for Rizal.
He had a happy family reunion, with his parents,
siblings, and brother all together.
Rizal’s Happiest Yuletide Celebration
( Life in Hong Kong)
In a letter to Blumentritt on January 31, 1892,
Rizal described their pleasant life in Hong
Kong.
Borneo Colonization Project
Facing the oppressive regime of Governor
Valeriano Weyler in Calamba, Dr. Jose Rizal
envisioned a solution: establishing a Filipino
colony on North Borneo (Sabah).
Borneo Colonization Project
(Sandakan, North Borneo Negotiating with British Authorities)
On March 7, 1892, Dr. Rizal traveled to Sandakan on the ship
Menon to negotiate with British authorities.
He explored the land along the Bengkoka River in Maradu
Bay, offered by the British North Borneo Company.
Borneo Colonization Project
(Support from European Friends)
Rizal's European friends, including Juan and Antonio
Luna, Lopez Jaena, Blumentritt, Dr. Bautista Lin, and
others, enthusiastically endorsed the Borneo
colonization project.
Borneo Colonization Project
(Mixed Reactions and Objections)
Rizal's brother-in-law, Hidalgo, objected to the
colonization project. He questioned the idea of leaving
the Philippines, a beautiful country, and asked why
they had made sacrifices for their homeland.
Borneo Colonization Project
(New Developments in the Philippines)
With the departure of the infamous Governor Weyler, Rizal saw
new possibilities for his Borneo colonization project.
Believing in Governor Despujol's sincerity, Rizal sent him a letter
expressing congratulations and offering his cooperation.
Borneo Colonization Project
(The Unanswered Letters)
After waiting in vain for three months for a
reply to his first letter, dated December 23,
1891, Rizal wrote a second letter on March 21,
1892.
Borneo Colonization Project
(Spanish Consul General and Disapproval)
Governor Despujol did not respond to Rizal's second
letter. Instead, he instructed the Spanish consul
general in Hong Kong to convey his disapproval of
Filipino immigration to Borneo.
Accomplishments of Rizal in Hong Kong
(Ophthalmic Surgeon in Hong Kong)
To support himself and his family, Rizal practiced medicine in Hong Kong.
Dr. Lorenzo P. Marques, a Portuguese physician and friend, helped him establish a
wide clientele.
Rizal became a successful ophthalmic surgeon and treated patients from various
backgrounds, including British, Chinese, Portuguese, and Americans.
He even successfully operated on his mother's left eye, restoring her ability to read
and write.
Accomplishments of Rizal in Hong Kong
(Rizal's Medical Practice)
In addition to specializing in ophthalmology, Rizal also served as a
general practitioner.
He wrote to Blumentritt about practicing medicine in Hong Kong,
mentioning an influenza epidemic in the region.
Friends from Europe provided moral and substantial support for his
medical practice, sending congratulatory letters and medical books and
offering assistance in procuring medical equipment.
Accomplishments of Rizal in Hong Kong
(Rizal's Qualities as an Ophthalmic Surgeon)
Rizal possessed the qualities of a great ophthalmic surgeon, which
included a keen and analytical intellect, artistic skills, courage, deep
medical knowledge, and proper training by master ophthalmic surgeons.
Dr. Geminiano de Ocampo, a distinguished Filipino ophthalmologist,
praised Rizal's potential to become one of Asia's eminent
ophthalmologists had he chosen to dedicate his life to medicine.
Decision to
Return to Manila
In May 1892, Dr. Jose Rizal made a significant decision to
return to Manila.
This decision was motivated by several factors that he
deemed important for the Philippine cause.
Decision to
Return to Manila
(Factors Influencing Rizal's Decision)
(1) Meeting with Governor Despujol: Rizal wanted to confer with Governor
Despujol regarding his Borneo colonization project.
(2) Establishment of Liga Filipina: He aimed to establish the Liga Filipina in
Manila, a patriotic organization to promote reforms and unity among
Filipinos.
(3) Responding to Eduardo de Lete: Rizal was determined to refute the
accusations made by Eduardo de Lete, who had attacked him in Madrid,
suggesting that he had abandoned the Philippines' cause while being
comfortable and safe in Hong Kong.
Decision to
Return to Manila
(Newspaper article and Rizal's protest)
Responding to Accusations
Eduardo de Lete's attack, published in La Solidaridad on April 15, 1892,
portrayed Rizal negatively, calling him cowardly, egoistic, and opportunistic.
Rizal vehemently protested to Marcelo Del Pilar, the editor of La Solidaridad,
emphasizing that such public disagreements harm the Philippines' interests.
He resolved to reinvigorate the Propaganda movement and strengthen the
Liga Filipina.
Decision to
Return to Manila
(Rizal's Response to Criticism)
Rizal believed that internal misunderstandings and personal differences
could exist among compatriots without being displayed publicly.
He welcomed criticism as a means to self-improvement and expressed his
commitment to the Philippine cause and the reactivation of the
Propaganda movement.
Last Hong Kong Letters.
Despite opposition from relatives and friends who feared
for his life, Rizal was determined to return to the
Philippines.
On June 19, 1892, he celebrated his 31st birthday in Hong
Kong and wrote two sealed letters, which he instructed
to be opened after his death.
Last Hong Kong Letters.
(Sealed Letters with Premonitions)
The sealed letters were virtually Rizal's political
testaments.
The first letter, addressed "TO MY PARENTS, BRETHREN,
AND FRIENDS," expressed his deep affection for his
loved ones and his sense of duty.
Last Hong Kong Letters.
(Rizal's handwritten letter)
Commitment to Duty and Principles
Rizal emphasized his commitment to his ideas about the
future of the Philippines and the pursuit of justice and
peace.
He believed in dying for duty and his principles, even though
he had no family of his own.
Last Hong Kong Letters.
(Rizal's Second Letter - "TO THE FILIPINOS")
Rizal's decision to return to Manila was met with opposition, but he
remained steadfast in his resolve.
In his second letter, addressed "TO THE FILIPINOS," he explained his
motivations and willingness to sacrifice for the freedom of innocent
people.
Rizal acknowledged the risks associated with his return and the
opposition he faced.
Last Hong Kong Letters.
(Rizal's passport and departure)
The Journey Back to Manila
On June 21, 1892, Rizal penned his third letter to Governor Despujol,
informing him of his return to Manila.
He placed himself under the protection of the Spanish government.
Rizal, along with his sister Lucia, left Hong Kong for Manila on the same
date, carrying a special passport or "safe-conduct" issued by the
Spanish consul-general in Hong Kong.
Secomd Homecoming
Rizal's Second Homecoming (June 1892)
Rizal's return to Manila marked his re-entry into the
campaign for reforms in the Philippines.
He believed the fight for Filipino liberties had shifted to the
Philippines itself, not Spain, and declared, "The battlefield is
in the Philippines."
Secomd Homecoming
Rizal's return to the Philippines to lead the reform movement was
akin to Daniel facing the Spanish lion in its own den.
He no longer saw Madrid as the battlefield for reform, stating, "the
fight is no longer in Madrid."
On June 26, 1892, at noon, Rizal and his widowed sister Lucia arrived
in Manila.
He meticulously documented his arrival, describing the customs
inspection and his stay at the Hotel de Oriente.
Rizal mentioned his visit to Malacañang Palace to seek an audience
with the Spanish governor general, General Eulogio Despujol.
Secomd Homecoming
Meeting with Governor General
Rizal had a meeting with Governor General Despujol at Malacañang
Palace, where they discussed the pardon of his father.
The governor general agreed to pardon Rizal's father but not the
rest of his family.
After the meeting, Rizal visited his sisters in Manila, first Narcisa
(Sisa) and then Neneng.
La Liga Filipina
On the evening of Sunday, July 3, 1892, following his
meeting with Governor General Despujol, Jose Rizal
attended a gathering of patriots at the home of Doroteo
Ongjunco in Tondo, Manila.
The meeting aimed to discuss and establish the la Liga
Filipina, a civic league of Filipinos
La Liga Filipina
The patriots elected officers for the newly established La Liga
Filipina.
The elected officers were Ambrosio Salvador as president, Deodato
Arellano as secretary, Bonifacio Arevalo as treasurer, and Agustin
de la Rosa as fiscal.
The la Liga Filipina aimed to bring about positive changes in the
socio-economic and political landscape of the Philippines.
La Liga Filipina
Constitution of the La Liga Filipina
Aims of the La Liga Filipina
To unite the entire archipelago into a unified and homogenous
body.
Mutual protection for all members in times of need.
Defense against all forms of violence and injustice.
Promotion of education, agriculture, and commerce.
Study and application of reforms.
Motto: "Unus Instar Omnium" (One Like All)
La Liga Filipina
Governing Structure
The Supreme Council:
Composed of a president, a secretary, a treasurer, and
a fiscal.
Had jurisdiction over the entire country.
Provincial Councils:
Established in every province.
Popular Councils:
Set up in every town.
Membership Qualifications:
Open to all Filipinos who cared for the welfare of their
homeland.
La Liga Filipina
Duties of La Liga Members:
Obey the orders of the Supreme Council.
Assist in recruiting new members.
Maintain strict secrecy about decisions.
Use a symbolic name.
Report any relevant information to the fiscal.
Behave in a manner befitting a good Filipino.
Provide assistance to fellow members in all possible ways.
La Liga Filipina
The Liga Filipina aimed to:
Unite Filipinos for a common cause.
Safeguard their interests and promote their welfare.
Address injustices and inequalities.
Foster education, agriculture, commerce, and reforms.
GROUP 9: TOPIC 7
BERNAL KIME ROSE
GONZALES KING JOSHUA
LUCAS ABEGAIL
ORDONEZ CRISTEL BEA
SARINGAN JANA ISABEL
II BSBA FM B
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WATCHING