MV Greenpeace / PC 8023
Noon Position:Pier 15, Sth. Manila Harbour
June 7th, 1996
Day 22

Mooring lines ashore, gangway down and a spruce up around the ship.

The lounge was packed with media for the press conference. The ship full of people.

In the early afternoon some of the crew went along to support a peaceful demonstration, organised by local environmental groups outside the Chinese embassy. Protesting their continuation to test nuclear weapons. Representatives from the Philippines, Japan, Sth. Korea, Tahiti, Indonesia and Germany spoke on behalf of their people in supporting the message to the Chinese to stop testing.

Later on, a few of us went to the Seamen’s’ Mission for a couple of hours. It is a well run place where you can enjoy a swim, sit in the shade, catch up on mail and have a quiet drink.

Back to the ship where in the evening there was a reception on board for some politicians, representatives of embassies, leaders of local NGO's and media.

Some of the crew were impressed and nearly bought to tears as a group of under privileged children, who were either deaf or blind made a performance of singing and dancing, bringing a message for peace. The heli deck was transformed into a outdoor cafe and a very tasty catered meal was served. Afterwards people were given a tour of the ship.

The Philippine people are very friendly and it is obvious a lot of hard work has gone into the preparation of the ship visiting.

In contrast to the obvious problems around us, of the pollution in this bay and city and the hard life that many people are living in, it is heartening to meet so many people who are working extremely hard and are fervent in their determination to find solutions and make a positive change to their environment here in the Philippines.

Tanya Popp.