Multi-cultural shows, Gospel choir music and 6,000 books aboard MV Doulos

MV DOULOS, a ship that has gracefully glided her way across oceans bringing knowledge, help, and fun, is dropping the anchor once more at the port of Cebu. Following a successful stay in Bacolod and Manila, Cebuanos are invited to come onboard MV DOULOS beginning today until February 19-and enjoy the wide range book fair and variety of fun international activities.

Built in 1914, two years younger than the famous Titanic, MV DOULOS is considered as the world's oldest active ocean-going passenger ship, registered in the United States of America, Panama, Italy and Malta. Through the years, she has sailed under four distinct names: Medina, Roma, Franca C and DOULOS, her current name. Transporting of goods and emigrants, and usage for luxury cruise was the ship's former purposes. To be able to maintain her structure, she has twice been renovated and upgraded, with the engine changed twice.

According to its Singaporean project coordinator Jiamin Choo, the world's largest floating book fair has visited more than 100 countries, welcomed almost 19 million visitors onboard and drew in 350 volunteers representing 50 countries that live and work together inside the ship, which they also affectionately call as their home. In fact, DOULOS has an entire Filipino family onboard as volunteers. Miki Ohashi, a Japanese volunteer who's part of the four-man advance party of MV DOULOS, also said that strong inter-racial friendships and willingness to serve are nurtured and built inside the ship.

DOULOS docks in ports throughout the world at least for two weeks, carrying a stock of half a million books, covering such subjects as Science, Education, Sports, Cookery, History, Technology, Photography, Christian Living and Children's Literature Books. Jiamin revealed that DOULOS is docking the longest in Cebu because "Cebu is a very special place and Cebuanos have been very kind to us in the past." DOULOS, now on its fifth visit, was last here almost six years ago. After Cebu, DOULOS will call on the bookworms and ship lovers of Batangas.

The book fair's opening hours are from 10am till 10pm from Tuesdays to Saturdays and 2pm in the afternoon till 10pm on Sundays and Mondays.

With a very minimal fee of P20, you can experience the exotic African ambience at the African Café, wherein on January 27 at 7pm till 9:30pm, have a feast of African music, dance and costumes courtesy of the African volunteers onboard DOULOS. See the world through a multi-cultural presentation on February 4 at 7pm to 9:30pm. Feel inspired by heady Gospel Choir music over a cup of coffee at the Gospel Café on February 11 at 7pm to 9:30pm.

There's also the Doulos Open Day with free admission, featuring the Bible Week Special Open Day on January 28 at 2pm to 5pm and Doulos Fiesta on February 18 at 2pm to 5pm.

Witness the International Night, dubbed as the Doulos Main Event, for an evening of music, drama, songs and cultural dances from around the globe, as the Doulos international crew shares a message of hope in God at Cebu Coliseum Complex on February 16, from 7pm to 9pm. Admission is free.

DOULOS will be docked at Pier 1 Gate Entrance (Berth 28, Cebu Domestic Port). Entrance fee for only P10.00. Free entry for children under 16 years of age.

FOR MORE DETAILS, YOU MAY CALL 09277062115. -JAIMIE PAZ ABIGAEL OPINION, STC MASSCOM INTERN