SUBIC BAY FREEPORT: Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose Aliño graced the formal opening of the MV Doulos Hope at the Riviera Wharf on Tuesday as the renowned floating bookstore docks in this premier freeport.
MV Doulos Hope Capt. Tom Dyer and Director Nathan Schmutz welcomed Aliño, Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr. and Zambales Board Member Jun Rundstedt Ebdane to the opening of the former cruise ship.
"Not everyone is fortunate to experience the surreal feeling of being immersed into a sea of literature that suits everyone. As I took my first step aboard MV Doulos Hope, I immediately felt that warm sense of belonging," said Aliño.
"This rare visit is an ideal opportunity to spread God's love and goodness through shared knowledge, community engagement and by simply participating in spiritual-enhancing activities, which aim to bring hope to the world amid cultural and religious differences," he added.
The chairman also shared that during the visit of sister ship MV Logos Hope in Subic Bay in 2015 with 400 crew members coming from across the globe, thousands of visitors from all walks of life were able to browse through, marvel at and buy literature at a fraction of its cost.
Aliño said that the moniker Doulos Hope, which means servant of hope, aptly befits the title of this new ship.
He said MV Doulos Hope is owned by the faith-based organization Gute Bücher für Alle, or Good Books for All (GBA), that will be open to the public from February 13 until March 3 before sailing to San Fernando, La Union.
Board Member Ebdane, who attended the event on behalf of Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., said, "A book is a special gift like no other, because you can open it again and again. It's a portable magic tool that uplifts your spirit once you start reading it."
He encouraged everyone to take advantage of the limited opportunities Doulos Hope brings, adding that anyone can explore a wide range of books for low prices, while also having a chance to meet, connect and engage with the international crew.
Dryer thanked the officials, saying that their cooperation provides assistance in promoting the MV Doulos Hope to the people in their localities. He also acknowledged the SBMA personnel for their warm welcome during their arrival here.
MV Doulos Hope's final stint as a cruise ship happened in late 2009 when it sailed in Singapore. The ship was turned over to its new owners on March 18, 2010 and was converted into a luxury hotel, which opened in Indonesia in June 2019.
In late 2022, MV Doulos Hope was repurposed from being a cruise ship owned by the German charity GBA into a floating library.
After completion of a refit, Doulos Hope will be based in a Southeast Asian port from 2023 to provide a floating library service to complement its sister ship, the MV Logos Hope.