Photo of MV Doulos (grabbed from Wikipedia)

The last time it docked on our shores was in 2007. We were just a family of 4 then because youngest was yet to be born. I remember just reading about it in the papers and told hubby it might be an interesting trip for the boys. So we drove ourselves to the Port Area and just the sight of the big, lifesize ship was already fascinating for them. We walked up the plank into the ship and were awed by the rows and rows of shelves containing books from all over the world. Most publications were reasonably priced and there was something for every member of the family. I remember bringing home 3 or so plastic bags of books and everyone was happy.

So I heard MV Doulos, the world’s oldest ocean-faring passenger ship, and the world’s biggest floating library and bookstore, is back in Manila till March 30th before she heads to Kaohsiung, Taiwan. MV Doulos is docked at the Manila South Harbour, Pier 13. Enter through gate 1. She is on her last world tour before she finally retires in 2010 so don’t miss making the trip while its here in Manila.

This time we will visit MV Doulos again and bring our 2-year old with us, and her Kuyas can show her around! On our last visit they had a store selling refreshments and also had stroller parking, so if it is still the same, I would say it is pretty kid and family-friendly.

For official information, visit www.doulos.org.

Some items on my bucket list: 1.) Go Hand gliding in Brazil. 2) Go parasailing in Boracay.  3) Ride in a hot air balloon. Imagine my excitement when I heard you can actually book yourself a space in the basket of one the hot air balloons at the upcoming Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta!

This event, now on its 14th year, is one of those events that families truly look forward to.  My kids and I went to two years ago and it ranks as one of the favorite trips we’ve ever taken.

We booked ourselves a room at Holiday Inn Clark which, incidentally, is a kid-friendly hotel, with its Day Care/ Play room for kids, shaded playgrounds, and fun activities which my boys enjoyed like the bike park, basketball court and billiards table. At the Hot Air balloon fiesta, my kids stood in awe at the beautiful hot air balloons, in different colors and designs.  Our favorite was the “coolest” balloon, a bright yellow one with a face and cool shades.

It was also an impressive sight seeing hundreds of kites in the air at one time. My kids got so challenged and spent hours running around trying to get their own kites up. At the end of the day, all the balloons assembled together and did a music and lights show for everyone in the fiesta to enjoy.

So hope to see you and your families at the 14th Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, happening this February 12 to 15, 2009, ! I’ll be waiving at you from my wicker basket high above the ground!

For more information on the 14th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, log on to www.philballoonfest.net.