CEBU CITY, Cebu, Philippines — The newest, biggest floating library in the world, the MV Logos Hope, has officially dropped its anchor in Cebu, unveiling thousands of book titles to the public.

Cebu is the first Philippine stop of the ship, replacing MV Doulos, which had been a frequent visitor to Cebu before it was retired.

Crew members and volunteers welcomed guests with flags and national costumes from over 45 countries as Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and Mayor Michael Rama led in the official opening of the floating book fair.

Garcia said Cebu is honored that the Logos Hope chose the province as its first port of call in its first visit to the Philippines. “And,” she pointed out, “coincidentally, it happened at a time when Cebuanos are celebrating their religious past in the Sinulog Festival.”

Both Garcia and Rama encouraged Cebuanos to grab the opportunity to visit the ship which will be in Cebu for a month.

Garcia said that, at this time, as she and Rama welcome the ship to Cebu, “it appears like the remaking of history,” akin to when explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his men were welcomed by Cebu chieftain Rajah Humabon and Queen Juana, almost five hundred years ago.

“It is auspicious and there is symmetry of sorts that you chose Cebu,” remarked Garcia.”This time, the air-conditioned ship is now named the Logos Hope because as you come as messengers of hope, you also arrived in this island that continues to be a beacon of hope in a country that may sometimes be given to despair and discord,” she said.

On board the vessel are 400 crew members of different nationalities, including three Filipinos, one of which is from Cebu. With 53 nationalities represented on board, Logos Hope is envisioned to make a difference in the world by bringing knowledge, help, and hope to the port communities it visits, said Gian Walser, the vessel’s managing director.