MV Doulos (former MS Franca C, former SS Roma, former SS Medina) moored at Southampton Docks, England.

Photographed on April 13, 2004.

Busy ako nun kaka-apply sa iba’t ibang Pahayagan mula Manila Times at iba’t iba pang kumpanya sa Makati at Alabang, kaso kung hindi mababa ang offer medyo malayo ang magiging distino ko.. (haaay hirap mamili) Ayun, sa huli, hindi pa rin tinatanggap ang resignation letter ko, dahil bibigyan naman daw ako ng increase kahit papaano (harinawa).

Kaya naman matapos ang maraming pagsubok, nagawa kong…

Start:     Jan 5, '07 10:00aEnd:     Jan 22, '07Location:     Gate 1, South Harbor, Manila Pier 13 (near Manila Hotel)

SUNDAY, My VOTY gal Resh and I had an-extra challenge type of adventure. We went to Manila South Harbour to visit the world's oldest active ocean-going passenger ship, the MV Doulos which was constructed in 1914. (more or less, as old as Titanic)  It is also the only floating bookstore that has travelled all-over the world and has been visited by millions of people.

Out of curiosity, and because, it's my first time to aboard a ship; I made it a point to buy even a single book there. I was not prepared to see thousands of people actually lining up to come aboard the ship. We almost felt like we were in wowowee, enchanted kingdom, a lotto outlet, in a screening of enteng kabisote, or an audition for Philippine Idol or at the NSO or DFA offices. Wow! Filipinos really have this "kuyug" mentality.

(see the picture! the ship is about the size of my forehead! wala pa ako sa dulo ng pila ng doulos nyan!)

What surprised me more is that the day became a family affair for most visitors. Parents actually brought month - old babies and toddlers. (kapapanganak lang nila kahapon, actually) Whew.. is that how much of a book lover we all are?

Nothing spectacular inside though. Books are mostly Christian-based or religious or children's books. Although they're probably a bit cheaper than the usual prize at local stores. There's really no book that made me scream "That's Mine!" (like what my mom usually says about food). However, i still managed to buy a book (and a Doulos pen). It's O Henry's collection of 100 classic American short stories. Now, reading that is a greater challenge.

Anyway, the adventure is still great. It's a delight to see that thousands of us would be willing to go through that really gruelling experience just to visit such historical heritage. Thank you MV Doulos...  may she sail forever!