The first activity was a flag-raising ceremony at the PCG Rizal bust, which was attended by members of the Knights of Rizal, Hawaii Chapter, members of the PCG officers, staff and the public. Consul General Gina A. Jamoralin led the flag-raising ceremony. The Knights of Rizal were led by Professor Raymund Liongson, KOR Area Commander, Western (Hawaii, USA).

After the flag-raising, the PCG officers and Knights of Rizal members placed leis on Rizal’s bust.

In her speech, Consul General Jamoralin reminded the audience of the importance of Dr. Rizal’s martyrdom, that sparked the Philippine Revolution. She also remarked that it is very important for youth to take to heart the ideals and principles of Dr. Rizal.

Prof. Liongson said that the very letters of Dr. Rizal’s name tells us what the Philippine national hero stood for. He said that J stands for Justice, P for Peace, R for Respect, I for Integrity, Z for Zeal, A for Audacity and L for Love and Loyalty.

ConGen Jamoralin with the officers and members of the Philippine Consulate General Honolulu.

The public were treated to a Filipino, Rizal-inspired breakfast after the ceremony at the PCG.

Consul General Jamoralin then led a smaller group to the Rizal shrine in Liliha, Chinatown, where they laid flowers at the foot of the Rizal statue’s pedestal.

In the evening, the Knights of Rizal held a conferment ceremony and program at the PCG Lanai. The celebration was highlighted by a lecture-discussion on Rizal’s “Letter to the Young Women of Malolos” by Dr. Belinda Aquino, professor emeritus at the University of Hawaii.

To commemorate the 119th anniversary of Dr. Rizal’s martyrdom, the Hawaii Filipino Chronicle came out with a special issue, headlined: “Consulate to Host Rizal Day Celebration.” END.

From left to right: Rev. Alex Vergara, Prof. Raymund Liongson, Mr. Ben Sanchez and Mr. Jeffrey de Mesa pose by the Rizal statue at the College Walkway Mall, China Town, Honolulu.