MV Doulos floating book fair still ongoing
BACOLOD CITY -- MV Doulos, the world's largest floating book fair, has arrived in Bacolod City last Thursday and is currently docked at the Port 3, Reclamation Area.
Doulos, a greek word for servant, carries a stock of over half a million books for sale.
Gov. Isidro Zayco and Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson graced the opening rites on board MV Doulos.
Dr. Daniel Chae, MV Doulos Director and MV Doulos Capt. Pat Tracy welcomed everyone to the ship.
Dr. Chae expressed appreciation for the warm welcome of the officials and people of Bacolod City and the Province of Negros Occidental.
They want to build lasting relationship with the people here and will surely leave the other ship he called "friendship."
Capt. Tracy hopes to strengthen the partnerships and familiarize with the smiles of Bacolodnons.
There are 350 crew from 50 different countries, united and determined to bring knowledge, help and hope to everyone.
Bacolod is the 519th port of call that they visited. MV Doulos is 94 years old, built in 1914. As God has plans for us, Doulos is His hidden work that we all still enjoys today.
Doulos visited over 100 countries in Asia, Latin America, Africa, Europe, Australia and the Arabian Peninsula. More than 20 million people have come onboard to visit her famous floating book fair.
Sheikhs, Princes, Prime Ministers and Presidents have greeted this "Grand Old Lady of the Seas," and the Doulos crew is delighted to call at Bacolod for a second visit, from Feb. 13 to March 2, 2009.
Vice Mayor Sayson said that Doulos is a good gift for Bacolodnons. He hopes that this will encourage everyone especially the children to value reading.
Gov. Zayco said the province is truly honored to welcome MV Doulos, its officials and crew to the province of Negros Occidental.
This will encourage international understanding and promote global awareness and friendship.
Moreover, Doulos has drew a crowd of 28,000 people during its first visit to Bacolod in Dec. 2006.
They hope to have more in their second visit here.