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The newest vessel from GBA Ships is called Doulos Hope. The word ‘doulos’ is Greek and means servant, so the ship is to be a ‘servant of hope’.
Doulos Hope was originally built in Germany in 1991. this vessel was formally handed over to GBA Ships on Wednesday May 25, 2022 and required some repurposing of spaces to meet their needs. Doulos Hope was launched into service in May 2023.
Besides traveling, one thing that brings me a lot of joy is reading books. I was happy to find out from the news that the MV Doulos Hope Floating Bookfair is now in the Philippines. I didn’t get to see Doulos Hope when it was in Manila. I’m really glad to hear that it will be at Batangas City Port from April 16 to 28, 2024. I booked our tickets online for April 28, 2024.
The bookfair entrance fee to Doulos Hope Floating Bookfair is only 50 pesos for adults. Children 12 years old and below are free. An additional 6 pesos was also charged as PPA Port fee.
As expected, the ship was crowded with a lot of people, specifically parents who brought their kids with them. In this digital era, it makes me feel pleased to know that these parents are introducing books to their kids Children of all ages are enjoying the bookfair in Doulos Hope because the ship is filled with lots of children’s book and merchandise.
I chance upon one of their staff members. Her name is Wilma from Paraguay. I got curious about the difference between Doulos Hope and Logos Hope ship and she explained it to me patiently. She also mentioned that the true goal of Doulos Hope was to share knowledge, help and hope. They wanted to reach out to people through the floating bookstore and tell them how compassionate God is to us. She said that she is a follower of Jesus Christ and its only to him that we can be saved. It’s not every day that I encounter people like her, and I am really grateful I did. It was a meaningful encounter with her.
When we exited the ship, the staff gave us a storybook entitled: “The Most Important Story Ever Told”. For a 50 pesos entrance fee you get to experience a once in a lifetime bookfair at the ship and now you got a free book? Isn’t’ that a steal?
After the Philippines, Doulos Hope will visit Hong Kong.
Specifications of Doulos Hope:
- Gross Tonnage: 3,370 grt
- Length: 85.5 m
- Width: 14 m
- Average Speed: 12.5 knots
- Maximum Speed: 13.5 knots
Please note that some information was taken from their website: https://www.gbaships.org
