‘Not just books, but hope’

Thursday, January 12, 2012

“WE MAKE a difference by bringing knowledge, health, and hope,” the managing director of MV Logos Hope, Gian Walser, a Swiss national, said in his speech during the formal opening of MV Logos Hope’s first visit to Cebu at the Malacañang of the South berth yesterday morning.

“This is not just a ship with many books, not just an international traveling community. We bring good news,” Walser added.

Have something to report? Tell us in text, photos or videos.

MV Logos Hope is a floating book fair with over 45 different nationalities represented on board.

It has been regarded as a genuine expression of international good will and understanding.

Most of its crew members are in their 20s or 30s. The volunteers, who are not paid, include seafarers, engineers, electricians, nurses, teachers and cooks. Sponsorship from friends, family members, and civic organization enables the crew to serve on board. Three of these volunteers are Filipinos, two come from Luzon and the other is 20-year-old Cebuana Faith Asher Mandalupe.

In an interview with Sun.Star Cebu, Mandalupe said that although it is not easy to adjust to the environment, with the crew coming from difference cultures, she is very happy because her sacrifices and hard work are all for society and for God.

The ship carries a stock of half a million books with thousands of titles and topics.

These include literature, music, science, technology, sports, hobbies, cookery, the arts, history, and languages.

Majority of the books found in the ship are for children. Logos Hope also carries
instructional DVDs and VCDs.

Logos Hope will be open until Feb. 13. The ship is open on Tuesdays to Saturdays at 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Sundays. An entrance ticket costs P20 and children below 12 years old can enter without charge.

Following MV Logo’s visit in Cebu will be stops in Manila and Subic Bay in the next few months. (Johnley M. Bayking, CIT-University Masscom Intern)