Maximo Violas of “Venceremos”

By Mary Michelle M. Bonifacio

Four contemporary “Maximo Violas” positively responded for the publication and launching of the novel “Venceremos” written by the prolific Filipino writer-poet-teacher Joe Lad Santos.

The novel dedicated for the 75th year circle anniversary of the heroism of Filipino soldiers and civilians with the Allied forces during the Pacific War and was completed only last April after almost five years of research and writing.

The novel tackles the painful messages of war but at the same time illustrates the magnanimity in victory. It also projects the nobility in the universal friendship that should enthwined the community of nations.

This is about how the Philippines survived during the Japanese occupation in 1941 to 1945 and the emergence of the noble patriotic Filipino spirit. The backdrop started in the bombing of the Pearl Harbor in December 8, 1941 in Hawaii and the invasion of the Japanese Imperial Army from Batanes to Jolo, Sulu immediately.

The four years victory of the Japanese Imperial Army until they succummbed and liberate the Philippines in 1945 Special chapter was dedicated in showing the entire nation as an inspiration in hosting the October 20, 1944 classic landing of Gen. Douglas MacArthur in Palo, Leyte.

It signals the beginning of the end of the Japanese occupation as Mayor Matin Petilla said in many of her speeches.

Any global historical tour will never be completed unless Palo, Leyte is visited. It shows how the Philippines is a destined direction in the study of heroism, patriotism and freedom.

With the highest sincerity and enthusiam after finishing the novel, Santos wrote to four famous personality with direct and indirect connections to the novel.

He wrote to former President Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada who is now mayor of Manila where the historic Manila Open City cushioned the beginning and finally the liberation; Mayor Remedios “Matin” Petilla of Palo, Leyte.

Her biggest leadership legacy is by making Palo, Leyte a center of global visit; Mayor Rex Gatchalian, the mayor of the city where the entire novel was written and whose major governance agenda is Education; and Mr. Greggy Licaros, son of the writer close friend Greg Licaros II.

Joe Lad Santos called them the modern Maximo Violas of “Verceremos”.

Venceremos is a Spanish word that means we will prevail or we will win. In its entirity, the novel is about victory in any form when the battle is centered with the love of God, Country and people.

The lead character is a guerilla hero named Nicanor Hicaro born in 1920 and is supposed alive until today.

Maximo Viola was a revolutionary hero doctor from San Miguel Bulacan. He came from an affluent family known for patriotism.

He became a symbol of printing propagandas and books and famously known in financing Dr. Jose Rizal Noli Me Tangere.

Latter he published farmers manifesto, decalogues, and memoirs. He survived the revolution against Spain but was imprisoned in Manila during the American occupation.

He was born Oct. 17, 1857 and died September 3, 1937. Dr. Viola is immoratly known as a publishing inspiration.