Rizal left Europe for Hong Kong in 1891, where he lived with his family and worked as an ophthalmic surgeon. While in Hong Kong, he continued writing works advocating for reforms in the Philippines and conceived of a project to establish a Filipino colony in Borneo. Despite warnings that it was dangerous to return to Manila, Rizal decided to do so in 1892 in order to discuss his colony project with the governor and establish the Liga Filipina secret society. Before departing, he wrote letters to be opened after his death predicting his fate.

1. Chapter 20 Ophthalmic Surgeon in Hong Kong (1891-92)

3. Melbourne steamer

5. Rednaxola Terrace

6. Jose Ma. Basa

10. a.) Valeriano Weyler b.) Rizal’s mother

11. Menon ship

15. Not even the fear of death could deter Rizal from his decision. He celebrated his 31st birthday in Hong Kong and on the following day he wrote two letters having a premonition of his death, he sealed, inscribed on each envelope “to be opened after my death” and gave them to his Friend Dr. Marques for safekeeping. The first letter, addressed TO MY PARENTS, BRETHREN, AND FRIENDS. The second letter, addressed TO THE FILIPINOS. Rizal penned another letter in Hong Kong for Gov. Despujol, incidentally his third letter to that discourteous Spanish chief executive. In this letter, he informed the governor general of his coming to Manila and placed himself under the protection of the Spanish government. On the same date, Rizal and his sister Lucia, widow of Herbosa, left Hong Kong for Manila. They carried a special passport or “safe-conduct” issued by the Spanish consul-general in Hong Kong.