Floating Book Fair Brings Filipino Children’s Books to the Forefront

The MV Doulos Hope has returned to the Philippines, docking at the San Fernando International Seaport in La Union for its 2025 floating book fair. The ship, a traveling bookstore, opened its doors to the public on April 19 and will remain until May 25. With over 2,000 book titles available, including a variety of Filipino children’s books, the vessel invites families, educators, and curious readers to explore its onboard selection.

Doulos Hope Opens Its Gangway to Book Lovers

Docked at Pier 1, Poro Point, the Doulos Hope welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Sunday. It opens at 2:00 PM and closes at 9:00 PM, with the last entry permitted at 8:30 PM. Mondays remain a non-operational day. Visitors must purchase tickets for ₱50, payable in cash. However, children aged 12 and below and senior citizens aged 60 and above receive free admission.

To manage the influx of guests, the organizers require all visitors to book their slots in advance through the online platform gbaships.littleboxoffice.com. They release time slots weekly, allowing guests to plan their visit accordingly.

Books, Culture, and Filipino Children’s Books Onboard

The Doulos Hope features a vast selection of over 2,000 books in various genres. Visitors will find titles spanning fiction, non-fiction, educational resources, inspirational reads, and spiritual literature. A notable part of the fair includes Filipino children’s books, making the event especially appealing to parents and young readers.

Apart from book sales, the Doulos Hope also serves as a cultural exchange platform. Onboard programs aim to promote literacy, education, and intercultural understanding. The ship travels from country to country, bringing not only books but also opportunities for dialogue and learning.

The organizers encourage visitors to take advantage of this rare experience. They recommend families explore books together, especially those written for children. The fair provides a unique way to introduce young minds to Filipino children’s books and the joys of reading.

Visitor Information and Accessibility

While the ship opens its doors to all, it does come with some limitations. The Doulos Hope is not wheelchair accessible. Guests with mobility aids should take this into account before planning their trip. The port area also has limited parking space. Due to potential congestion, public transportation remains the preferred option for many visitors.

Attendees should also prepare for the weather. The path to the ship can be hot and exposed to sunlight, so hats, umbrellas, or sunblock may be necessary for a comfortable visit.

Next Stops for Doulos Hope

After its La Union stop, the Doulos Hope will head to Taiwan. Its next confirmed destination is Kaohsiung, where it will stay from May 29 to June 2. From there, it will travel to Magong and dock from June 3 to June 30. Organizers hinted at a potential return to the Philippines later this year, possibly in Puerto Princesa. However, dates for this possible stop remain unconfirmed.

Bringing Filipino Children’s Books to Young Readers

The ship’s current stop in the Philippines highlights its goal of reaching readers across all age groups. With a selection that includes Filipino children’s books, the Doulos Hope appeals to both local families and tourists. The experience encourages children to build a reading habit through books that reflect their own language, culture, and identity.

The ship also fosters community engagement. Cultural exchange and educational programs onboard give visitors a chance to broaden their perspective. Filipino children’s books play a central role in this effort, bridging generations and creating shared experiences among young readers and their families.

As it sails from port to port, the Doulos Hope continues to act as a floating beacon of learning and connection. Its visit to La Union brings the global book fair concept closer to Filipino communities, opening new opportunities for parents to introduce their children to the world of literature.

For those who want to stay updated on future Doulos Hope visits in the Philippines, announcements and event details are regularly posted on the ship’s official Facebook page: Doulos Hope – The Philippines.

This year’s floating book fair promises not only access to a wide range of books but also a moment to appreciate the importance of early reading. Through the ship’s offerings, many Filipino families now have a chance to discover or rediscover the magic of Filipino children’s books.