Emmanuel Gomez Almeda was a pharmacist by occupation, and was known for his formula for the relief of asthma. His eldest daughter Natividad was said to have assisted him in preparing this medicine, and this encouraged her to pursue a career in medicine. He was supposed to have specialized in this to help his wife Severina, who was constantly ill with asthma. Dona Aurora Quezon, wife of the one who would become President later, also purchased her asthma medicine from Mr. Almeda.

He joined the Katipunan during the Philippine Revolution and was given the rank of Colonel.