CEBU, Philippines - The newest floating library, MV Logos Hope, officially opened its doors to Cebu yesterday.
Crew members and volunteers welcomed guests with flags and national costumes from over 45 countries.
Governor Gwendolyn Garcia who headed the cutting of the ribbon with Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said she chose to skip her meeting with the Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) board to attend the “historic” event.
Cebu is the first stop of the ship in the Philippines. Logos Hope replaced MV Doulos, which was a frequent visitor to Cebu before it retired due to old age.
Garcia said the first visit of Logos Hope reminded her of the historic arrival of Portuguese Ferdinand Magellan in Cebu. The governor even said in jest that she felt like Queen Juana while Mayor Rama was Rajah Jumabon, the Rajah of Cebu.
Both Garcia and Rama encouraged Cebuanos to grab the opportunity to visit the ship. Logos Hope will stay in Cebu for a month.
Gian Wasler, managing director of Logos Hope said Logos Hope is essentially similar to MV Doulos because both ships aim at bringing education where it is needed.
Wasler said the only difference between the two ships is the structure because Logos Hope, particularly the bookshop, is much bigger than that of MV Doulos. Because it is bigger, Logos Hope accommodates more books with over 5,000 titles and 500,000 pieces to choose from.
The bookshop is also air-conditioned with walk-through discussions and programs that tackle different topics, including sensitive health issues like HIV Aids.
The new ship also features the so-called international café where visitors can interact with crew members from different countries.
One of Logos Hope’s crew members is 28-year old Cebuana Faith Asher Mandalupe from Talisay City.
Mandalupe joined the ship crew in September 2009 after she volunteered for Operation Mobilization. This was where she got exposed to the ideas of the work and ministry of MV Doulos.
She then made it a point to volunteer when she received information that there was going to be a new ship.
Mandalupe said her work has brought her to over 30 countries and the best thing about it is interacting with people of different nationalities especially on board the ship. Such interactions not only made her learn other people and cultures, but more so about herself.
The most difficult part of the experience, she says, was the adjustment period, particularly the food, as she was used to eating rice which was not served often on board.
Mandalupe is on her last year as volunteer and she wants to give others a chance to experience the great things she has experienced in the ship. — (FREEMAN)