Filipino bookworms expressed delight at meeting acclaimed American author John Green in Guimaras Province.
The novelist, known for writing young adult books such as “Looking for Alaska,” “The Fault In Our Stars” and “Paper Towns,” visited Jordan for the launch of the province’s health campaign on Monday, October 27.
The campaign, called the “Tuberculosis-Free Guimaras Island Initiative (TBFGII), was also attended by local leaders and global health partners, including the World Health Organization.
John held a book signing session for his latest book, “Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection,” which focuses on the global campaign to combat what is considered the world’s deadliest disease.
Some Filipinos who had the opportunity to meet him shared their experiences on social media.
Physician Carmelli Seva Jubelag, an advocate of the TB-Free Guimaras Island Initiative, described the encounter as “extra special.”
“I still remember how Paper Towns made me fall in love with stories about finding meaning, connection, and purpose. Getting my copy (which I had read back in college) signed today felt like coming full circle, a moment that reminded me why his words have touched so many hearts,” she wrote.
“It wasn’t just about meeting an author, it was about connecting with a fellow advocate who believes that everyone deserves access to care, dignity, and healing,” Carmelli added.
Another Facebook user shared her excitement, expressing how happy she was to meet the American author.
“I can’t believe we made it????? WE MADE IT!!!! At dahil diyan, post muna ang reward dahil naitawid ang lahat today,” Kristelle Ann Angeles wrote.
“Finally meeting the OG [original] favorite author from teenage days and now my favorite TB Advocate. The one and only, THE John Green!!! Thank you for using your platform to advocate and fight for this cause that has definitely saved more lives and for being our strong partner in this fight to finally #EndTB,” she added.
Bea Jose also described meeting the author who “inspired” her as a teenager as “nothing short of surreal.”
“Thank you for reminding us that stories can change hearts, and advocacy can change the world. We stand united in the fight to end TB!” she said.
Facebook user Mary Angel Lou Salcedo Tribiano also shared a quote from “The Fault In Our Stars” and expressed gratitude for having the author sign her books.
Some of John’s works have been adapted into films like “The Fault In Our Stars,” “Paper Towns,” and “Turtles All The Way Down.”
