SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño and Zambales Board Member Jun Rundstedt Ebdane graced the formal opening of the floating library MV Doulos Hope at the Riviera Wharf here on Tuesday.

Doulos Hope Captain Tom Dyer and Director Nathan Schmutz welcomed Aliño and Ebdane, as well as Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr., during the opening ceremony.

“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,” Aliño said.

“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 amidst cultural and religious differences,” he added.

The SBMA chairman also recalled that during the visit of sister ship MV Logos Hope in Subic Bay in 2015, thousands of visitors from were able to buy literature at a fraction of its cost.

Doulos Hope, which means servant of hope, is the latest floating library to visit Subic Bay. The former cruise ship, now owned by the faith-based organization Gute Bücher für Alle or Good Books for All (GBA), will be open to the public starting February 13 and will stay in Subic Bay until March 3 before sailing on to San Fernando, La Union.

Zambales Board Member Ebdane, who attended for Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., said that 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.”

Ebdane 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.

Meanwhile, Captain Dryer expressed his gratitude to the officials, citing 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 ended her final cruise in Singapore in late 2009. 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 Gute Bücher für Alle (Good Books for All), 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, MV Logos Hope. 