Did you know: Maximo Viola

The late nationalist Maximo Viola, known as the patron of Jose Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere,” was born Oct. 17, 1857. A doctor by profession, he took his premedical studies at the University of Sto. Tomas then sailed to Spain where he earned a degree in medicine in Barcelona where he met Rizal. Viola funded the publication of Rizal’s first novel for P300. An initial 2,000 copies of the novel were printed in 1887. Its galley proofs and first published copy was given to him by Rizal. Viola died Sept. 3, 1933.—Schatzi Quodala, Inquirer Research