But first all crewmembers were given a flower garland of course. Then the band started their program which they had prepared especially for the Esperanza - to show us "a glimpse of the ancient spirit in the Philippinas", as band leader Professor Edru Abraham said. It wouldn't take long until everybody was invited to join. Fortunately the words were easy to remember: "Greenpeace defending our oceans" In Philippean: "Ipagtanggol ang karagatan". We had to rehearse that a couple of times though until Edru found there was enough acustic "passion and conviction" in the chorus: "You got to be heard in Mexiko, in Argentina, in the Carribean, in the Indian Ocean. Five, six, seven, eight, Esperanza mabuhay!" (Long live Esperanza!)

Captain Pete was invited to name a number that still did not have a titel. Well, that was not an easy job, because the piece had everything in it: shouting, banging, even dancing! I reckon the name Pete chose brought it right to the point: "The Philippines where dreams come true". Band leader Edru was enchanted: "That's the longest name for a number ever in our history!"

It followed something that made several crew members suddenly remember they had VERY important duties in the inside of the ship: We were inivited to dance! Well, the challenge did indeed require real heroes: Trying to pick up these steps from the young girls in the band, move your arms in the same way and struggling not to look too akward beside them... Our brave second mate Mathijs was the one who hung on the longest!

Then it was time for the press conference, so unfortunately the welcome party had to stop. Band leader Edru told me he did not hesitate a second when asked to welcome the Esperanza in Manila: "Our name Kontra Gapi means 'against oppression'. And that includes the oppression of nature that is threatening our country."

Listen to the welcome concert!