In a momentous occasion marked by celebration and anticipation, the MV Doulos Hope officially unveiled its on-board bookshop in the vibrant Poro Point Freeport Zone, City of San Fernando, La Union last March 7, 2024. Captain Tom Dyer and Director Nathan Schnutz, alongside esteemed guests including City Mayor Hermenegildo A. Gualberto and Provincial Governor Raphaelle Veronica Ortega-David, gathered to commemorate the opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The presence of provincial and city officials added to the significance of the event, with Governor Ortega-David serving as the Guest of Honor. The ceremony symbolized not just the inauguration of a bookshop but also the spirit of unity and collaboration between the MV Doulos Hope and the local community.
Following the formalities of the ribbon cutting, guests had the opportunity to explore the floating bookshop, immersing themselves in its curated selection of literature. From classic novels to educational texts, the on-board bookshop promises a diverse array of reading material to cater to every interest and age group.
MV Doulos Hope, open every Tuesday to Sunday from 2:00-9:00 PM until March 24, 2024, aims to be a beacon of knowledge and hope for visitors. With a mission to provide quality educational literature and promote unity in diversity, the bookshop seeks to serve communities by bringing knowledge, assistance, and inspiration to people from all walks of life.
Visitors to the MV Doulos Hope are welcomed with an entrance fee of PhP 50.00. However, the ship extends a gesture of inclusivity by offering free admission to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and children under the age of 12.
The history of serving others through ocean-going vessels traces back to 1970 with the acquisition of the original Logos. Since then, the ships have journeyed to over 480 ports in more than 150 countries and territories, welcoming over 50 million visitors on board. The MV Doulos Hope continues this noble tradition, with its floating book fairs providing countless individuals with their first-ever opportunity to explore a wide range of quality literature.
As the MV Doulos Hope sets sail on its mission to enrich minds and hearts, it invites everyone to embark on a journey of discovery and enlightenment. With its on-board bookshop as a testament to the power of knowledge and the joy of reading, the MV Doulos Hope stands as a symbol of hope and inspiration for communities around the world. | Anna Lavisha Jusayan
