Máximo Viola

Meeting with Jose Rizal Viola met Jose Rizal, in Barcelona, Spain and both became involved in the Propaganda Movement. He traveled across Europe particularly to Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Switzerland, from May to June 1887 upon the later's invitation.

He was put to a military prison in Manila by the American colonial authorities during the early period of American administration over the Philippines. He was later transferred to Olongapo/ Viola was freed by an American doctor, Dr. Fresnell who asked for Viola's assistance since Fresnell has lack of knowledge on tropical diseases.

Later life

Viola became the president of Liga de Proprietarios to support the rice farmers of San Miguel, Bulacan in their opposition against politicians who were courting the tenants' votes at the expense of the landlords. During the extension of the Manila Railroad line to Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, he opposed the acquisition of land by the British Company without the latter paying appropriate reparations to the landowners affected. Viola also treated indigents at no cost as a doctor.

He was also engaged in making furniture from Kamagong in his later years. Viola was given an award for an exposition in Manila in 1920.

Viola died in the barrio of San Jose in San Miguel, Bulacan on 3 September 1933 due to cancer. Roura died on 18 August 1935 at the age of 65. They were buried at San Miguel Church tombs.

Personal life Upon Viola's return to the Philippines from Europe, he met Juana Roura, whom he married in 1890. They had five sons but two of them died as infants.