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Get your books at the world’s biggest floating library: the MV Doulos Hope
In an effort to promote literacy and education globally, the MV Doulos Hope docks at the Port of Manila. The floating library houses a wide selection of children’s books, classics, biographies, bibles, atlases, and more for as low as PhP100, making it impossible for visitors to leave empty-handed.
Under the flag of GBA (Gute Bücher für Alle or Good Books for All) Ships, a German charity based in Mosbach, the Doulos Hope is the fifth vessel in their fleet of floating bookshops. The ship is currently docked at Pier 15 in Manila and will stay there until April 14.
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Before GBA Ships serviced the Doulos Hope in May 2023 to be a touring library, the vessel was a casino cruise ship named The Taipan. Renaming it to the “Servant of Hope” was the organisation’s way to honour and complement the sister ship, Logos Hope, and give the ship a new mission. “We had to change its purpose. She was going to do more humanitarian work in serving the communities around the globe. So Doulos, which means servant and hope means hope was very fitting,” said Jabulani Witthöft, Port Engagement Director of the Doulos Hope.
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As an organisation built on the foundation of knowledge, help, and hope, Doulos Hope offers plenty of titles that inspire and educate. “There’s a book for everyone. There are about 280,000 books on our ship. We wanted to make it a full, well-rounded, and wholesome family experience. We have great educational books and university titles, and you can get them at affordable prices,” shared Witthöft.
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Visiting ports worldwide can be challenging, but for the Doulos Hope, all it takes is an invitation and plenty of assistance. Their crew comprises volunteers who answer the call to help. “If you invite us, we will be there. What’s key for us are partnerships. We make sure not to go alone. So, if we have local partners who are eager to open their arms and work with us, we will make sure to put in the effort to show up and serve the communities there,” said Witthöft.
Before docking in Manila, the Doulos Hope visited San Fernando, La Union, from March 7 to March 24 and Subic from February 13 to March 3.
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About
Gabriel found his passion for writing through poetry in high school. He sharpened his skills at Ateneo de Manila University and hopes to write a play worthy of Broadway one day. A self-proclaimed geek, he loves to spend his free time playing video games and board games. When he's not clicking heads on Valorant or roleplaying as a barbarian in Dungeons and Dragons, you can find him exploring art galleries or watching stage plays.
Work
A creative writer who writes about anything and everything, Gabriel loves to dive deep into the arts and culture scene—as well as going on long road trips for travel pieces.
You can reach him on Instagram at @gbohol for any leads, casual conversations or game invites.
