The iconic Doulos Hope International Floating Book Fair successfully opened at Batangas Port on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, offering Batangueños a new and unique experience for a 13-day visit to share knowledge, hope, and help.
Nathan Schmutz, the Managing Director of Doulos Hope, and Captain James Dyer, Master of Doulos Hope, along with Board Member Claudette Ambida, the representative of the Governor of Batangas, and other guests, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony during the official opening of the book fair, which features high-quality books and souvenirs.
Bokala Claudette Ambida expressed gratitude and appreciation for GBA Ships e.V., the non-profit organization based in Germany that operates MV Doulos Hope, for returning to Batangas after 17 years.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng nasa likod ng muling pagbabalik dito sa Batangas ng MV Doulos. Kinikilala ko ang kahalagahan nito. Ang salitang ‘Doulos’ ay salitang Greek, at ibig sabihin ay ‘servant’, at ang barkong ito ay tinawag na ‘Doulos Hope’; kayo dito ngayon ay nagsasakatawan sa totoong kahulugan ng pagiging mga lingkod ng pag-asa.”
A highlight of the opening was the chance to explore the iconic floating book fair, which offers a selection of over 2,000 books for the whole family across a wide range of categories, including science, medicine, dictionaries, languages, sports, arts, faith, and more. Meeting the crew volunteers from different countries was also part of the experience, as they promote mutual understanding and cultural exchange.
According to Marlies Haistman, one of the crew members aboard MV Doulos Hope, her first experience in Batangas was amazing due to the hospitable and friendly people.
“I never saw a sad face. I always saw wide, shining smiles. So, my impression of Batangueños is very welcoming,” said Haistman in an interview with the Balisong Channel News Team.
Captain James Dyer expressed that MV Doulos Hope’s floating community is a genuine expression of international cooperation and goodwill. The volunteers come from all walks of life, with diverse professions and ages.
“We want to share these good books with the people. We try to visit different ports and bring good books to people. Also, we come from different nations, and we’d like to learn about your culture, and we want you to learn about our culture and just get to know each other,” said Dyer in an interview with the Balisong Channel News Team. | D. Rupan, J. Idanan – BChannel News Team
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