The Floating Book Fair

Last April 3, we brought the kids to the Doulos Hope ship for their Book Fair. It was our first experience of the Doulos Hope Floating Book Fair, and while the weather was not so cooperative, the kids did have fun browsing through the book shelves.

For our future reference, here are my tips to self:

1. Bring fully-charged hand-held fans (one is not enough). The part of the ship where the actual book fair was held did not have air-conditioning. Therefore, it was a sweaty experience going from one row of shelves to another and browsing through the books. We brought one hand-held fan for each kid, and thankfully they were enough.

2. Do not bring stroller. The ship itself was not kid- or handicap-friendly since we had to go up a narrow winding staircase inside the ship.

3. Go on weekdays and office hours. I actually booked tickets for a 5 PM slot, but we came early since traffic going to Manila area was light. We arrived at 3:30 PM, there was no waiting line and they did not even check our reserved tickets. After paying for the docking fees, etc, they just let us right in. Aside from the small crowd during office hours, I personally think going to the fair during daytime was better because it offered a nicer view of the sea than during night time. Also, if you come early during the day, then there will be enough time for you to check out other landmark places around Manila, such as the Ocean Park, Manila Hotel and Rizal Hotel (very nice *insta-worthy* interiors), the Ramon Magsaysay Library (which closes at 5 PM), and the Luneta Park.

4. Be prepared to have a long walk from the parking lot to the ship. So pack light, bring your water bottles and hats.

5. Don't forget your cash. Aside from books, they also have a few baskets of toys for sale and some nice notebooks. So if your kids are like mine, be prepared to have your baskets full (and your wallet empty) in no time.