PH Consulate General Commemorates Rizal Day 2024 at Historic Sites Where Dr. Jose Rizal Lived, Practiced Medicine in Hong Kong

Philippine Consulate General personnel, led by Acting Head of Post Sheila Monedero-Arnesto (5th from left), together with (from left to right) Property Officer Ma. Angelika P. Linga, SSS Country Representative Elena DG Clemente, Assistant Labor Attaché  Antonio R. Villafuerte, Vice Consul David Bien P. Paje, Vice Consul Allan G. Revote, Labor Attaché Melchor B. Dizon, Social Welfare Officer Remilene C. Marcelino and Protocol Officer Michael T. Joson during the wreath-laying ceremony at Dr. Jose Rizal’s former residence at Rednaxela Terrace. (Hong Kong PCG photo)

HONG KONG 09 January 2025 – In commemoration of the 128th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong and Sentro Rizal Hong Kong held wreath-laying ceremonies last 29 December 2024 at two historic sites that were significant in the life of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal: Rednaxela Terrace and D’Aguilar Street in Central, Hong Kong.  

From December 1891 to June 1892, during his self-imposed exile in Hong Kong, Dr. Rizal lived at Rednaxela Terrace with his family and opened an ophthalmic clinic at D’Aguilar Street. Markers have been placed by the Hong Kong Antiquities Authority at these locations to memorialize their historical significance.

The wreath-laying ceremonies were followed by a Flag Raising Ceremony that was held together with the members of the Filipino Community at the Consulate’s public area. The Consulate paid homage to Dr. Jose Rizal’s literary brilliance through an interpretation of his poem “El Canto del Viajero” or “Awit ng mga Biyahero” which was recited by Vice Consul David Bien P. Paje. 

In her Inspirational Remarks, Acting Head of Post Sheila Monedero-Arnesto celebrated Dr. Jose Rizal’s enduring legacy as a martyr for Philippine independence by emphasizing his commitment to peaceful reforms and willingness to endure suffering to show his love for our motherland. She urged Filipinos in Hong Kong to honor the sacrifices of our revolutionary heroes by actively contributing to the nation’s progress, emphasizing that the future of the Philippines depends on the collective efforts of its people, both at home and abroad.

The program concluded with excerpts from the documentary “Rizal sa Landas ng Paglaya” by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), and the execution scene from GMA-series “Ilustrado.” In order to better promote remembrance of our national hero, his works and teachings, the Consulate continued to screen throughout the day in its public area NHCP’s “Rizal sa Landas ng Paglaya,” and other Rizaliana video materials from Sentro Rizal. END

Philippine Consulate General officers and staff group photo during the wreath-laying ceremony at D’Aguilar Street where Dr. Jose Rizal’s clinic once stood. (Hong Kong PCG photo)

Acting Head of Post Sheila Monedero-Arnesto delivers her Inspirational Speech after the Flag Raising Ceremony, reflecting on Rizal’s courage, patriotism and love for his fellowmen in his choice to return to the Philippines from his exile in Hong Kong. (Hong Kong PCG photo)

The consulate general personnel and members of the Filipino Community watch NHCP’s film documentary “Rizal sa Landas ng Paglaya”; Vice David Bien P. Paje recites the Dr. Rizal’s poem, “El Canto Del Viajero” during the program. (Hong Kong PCG photo)

For more information, visit https://www.hongkongpcg.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinHK/.