Jail House Rock

 

Last Saturday, I was finally able to watch the live performance of the dancing inmates of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center. My uncle was able to make a reservation, and luckily, his name was on CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebuthe final list when we went to the Cebu Provincial Capitol.

Anyway, in case you’ve all forgotten, the CPDRC inmates made headlines all over the world, when a video of their ‘Thriller’ routine was uploaded on video-sharing site YouTube. When it was first uploaded, it easily got more than a million hits (visits/views). The video eventually made it to Time Magazine’s 10 Most Viral Videos of 2007. Because of the video’s unexpected success, countless news agencies from different parts of the world flocked to the CPDRC compound to cover the live performances.

Today, a year and three months after the Thriller video was uploaded, it now has (are you ready?) more than 18 Million hits! Believe me, that’s NOT an easy feat.

 

It’s amazing to see them giving it their all! Good job guys!!!

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

The Cebu Provincial Capitol – Live presentations are held every last Saturday of the month. To be able to watch the show, you have to go to the Provincial Capitol and make a reservation. You can either watch the show at 10 AM or at 3 PM.

Cebu Provincial Capitol by you.

 On the day of the performance, make sure to be at the pick-up point a full hour before the performance. As soon as your reservation is confirmed, you will be given a CPDRC Visitor’s Pass.

CPDRC Visit by you.

Then, you can board the bus that will take you to the facility. For free.

CPDRC Visit by you.

On our way to the CPDRC – BSP Camp

Camp Marina by you.

When we reached CPDRC, our bags were checked and we got this.

CPDRC Visit by you.

We were all then lead to a room where we watched a video presentation about the history of the facility and  the rise to fame of the dancing inmates. We also saw clips of international news reports about the famous inmates.

CPDRC Visit by you.

Clip of the actual CNN news show called CNN Today

CPDRC Visit by you.

Mr. Byron Garcia gave a short talk after the video presentation. I learned a lot from him. Mr. Garcia indicated that the ‘dance program’ has helped the facility a lot. He said that because of the program, gangs have been abolished, prisoners now smile often, and they all now treat each other as close friends. Mr. Garcia also mentioned that, compared to the previous years, so far, no inmates have re-entered the facility after they were released. This fact, according to Mr. Garcia, only proves that the program is very beneficial not only to the facility and the staff but also to the prisoner. He added that since the facility started having live presentations, prisoners now have more confidence and they gained back their self-worth and self-esteem.

And by the way, Mr. Byron Garcia shared that because of their shows, a lot of visitors gave donations. The donations were then deposited to the account of the inmates. They all have bank passbooks. At present, they have a combined deposit of more than 2 million pesos! Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CPDRC Visit by you.

Booklets were given to visitors to give them a deeper understanding of the role of rehabilitation in jails.

CPDRC Visit by you.

Assisting Mr. Garcia was an inmate who, according to Mr. Garcia, used to be a ‘gun for hire’. He is a graduate of the CPDRC primary education program. He will be a freshman next year.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

After the short ‘seminar’, we all proceeded to the viewing deck.

CPDRC Visit by you.

In support of all the guys in orange, I wore a pair of slippers with orange straps. Hahaha.

CPDRC Visit by you.

This one dude was so happy when he learned that his friends were visiting him and they were going to see him perform.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

Mr. Byron Garcia welcomes all visitors.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

The boys are ready to show what they’ve got.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates by you.

Mr. Byron Garcia interviewed the dude when he heard his friends cheering for him. When asked what his name was, he said ‘Maria’. LOL

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

 Let the dancing begin! Orange men in action!

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

This dude knows how to work it!

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

Male and female inmates dancing ‘We Built This City’

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

Payts bai! Ikid gyud!

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

Visitors couldn’t help but cheer for the talented dudes on the ground.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

 They all have the same pants, shirts, and shoes – Chuck Taylors!!! Hehehe

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

The inmates forming ‘GLORIA’. They did this routine during PGMA’s visit.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

Bend it like Beckham. LOL

CPDRC Dancing Inmates by you.

Wow! Look at that!

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

Inmates dancing YMCA by the Village People.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

Inmates dancing the most applauded number – Crank That Soulja Boy!

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

Some excited spectators.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

I forgot what number this was. LOL

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

After more than 5 numbers, the inmates were still very energetic.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

Some select dancers. These guys are part of the ‘core group’ of highly skilled dancer. They know how to rock it, yo!

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

A short break gives them time to breathe and mingle.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

Smiling for the camera.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

They all looked genuinely happy and proud. Which is a very good thing.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

Then, they showed us their marches. This was what they did before they started dancing.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

Then, it’s back to dancing. They still want more.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

Tatang was so graceful the spectators became wild. LOL.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

Tatang, a 58-yo inmate showing us what he got.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

The crowd cheered for Tatang which made him smile.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

Mr. Byron Garcia knew exactly why the crowd was so noisy. It was Tatang!

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

This dude stole the scene when he backflipped and cart-wheeled. Hehehe.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

Four inmates showing the steps of the Macarena remix dance. The composer of the song specifically asked the CPDRC inmates to use his music.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

Spectators dancing the Macarena dance.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

More spectators dancing. Hahaha. It was a riot!

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

They then did the ‘I need a Hero’ number. This time, they got props. Hehehe.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

Intermission number – Ballroom dancers!

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

Doesn’t that look sweet? Hehehe

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

For their finale, they did the routine that took them to the top – Michael Jackson’s Thriller.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

You can’t miss the costumes and the internalization – Wow! Hehehe.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

It was a beautiful date. Until the zombies started rolling in.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

Lupigan ang mga artista oi.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

Super emote. Hehehe.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

Now he doesn’t know what to do! You’re zombies ya’ll!!!

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

Oh no! The zombies won!

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em! Hahahaha.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

After the show, the dancers and choreographers were introduced.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

Then, the spectators were allowed to go down and take photos of the inmates.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

Mr. Byron Garcia with Maria and his visiting friends.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

Mom posing with two inmates who said ‘Pa-picture ta mam.’ After I took the picture, they said, “Salamat, ma’am, sir. Hope nalingaw mo sa show.” 😀

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

At the lobby, crafts made by the inmates were selling like hotcakes.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

Ahhh. I’ll be back for that shirt! Mupalit gyud ko next time. Hehehe.

CPDRC Dancing Inmates - Cebu by you.

 

It was an awesome show guys! You rock!

 

26 thoughts on “Jail House Rock

  1. Wow! Amazingly beautiful performance (bisan sa pictures lang ko nakakita). Buotan kaayo ang mga kaigsoonan nato nga naa sa CPDRC, hinoon angay lang sab silang magbinuotan.

    Ley, you did great with these pictures. Thank you!

    BTW, pwede ta makapalit sa T-Shirt nga orange nga naay mark nga CPDRC inmate? Hmm.. nindot baya sab na. I like the shirt para sa Sinulog. Dili gyod ta mawala ana sa crowed. Ok ba na isuot sa public places?

    hehehe.. ako mag gud ma-imagine ba nga sama ra na nga magsuot kog lab gown samtang magbaklan sa colon. Ambot lang!

  2. I’m a big fan of the CPDRC. Jail Rock is better than Jail Break. LOL. Lipaya gyud ni Tatang. They’re all very good performers.
    Ley, limpio pa ang imong tiil kay sa akoa. 🙂

  3. bay leland,

    Greatly appreciate your effort in creating your blog with absolutely beatiful pictures. Di-a ko sa layong dapit ug ang imong mga pictures nga gi-post nakatabang sa pagpahinumdum namo diri sa atong pinanggang Cebu. Labihang dako-a na man diay ang pag-uswag ug paglambo sa atong lugar.
    Thank you bai and keep on posting.
    Best regards.

  4. hi sir ley…got this blog link from firefox…very well written and i must say that the photos was taken by a pro…:D gud job sir ley!!! 🙂

  5. imong website made want to go back in cebu..

    basta maka balik ko mo anha gyud ko dira…

    and also this site is makin us people see whats happening in cebu…and the new changes…

    my friends in here in california(filipino from manila and davao)think that cebu is like forest and no lime life…but those people havent seen cebu and havent been there..soo yeah…

    hope to see more good stuff in cebu:]…from u

  6. Good day,Sir/Maám!

    My brother from Canada is longing so much of the CPDRC shirt that the inmates wore in their dance shows. He asked me to get him that same shirt. I read in some blogs that the shirts are being sold in that same prison where the inmates performs. Im from Manila, and my brother asked me to fly over to Cebu just to have that shirt.

    May I asked if those shirt are still available and where can I buy?

    I’ll be waiting for your reply.

    Thank you.

    -Katrina

  7. its amazing how people can be so close-minded. byron treats those prisoners like shit. how can you be proud to see that? its shaming, really.

  8. honestly!! ur blogs, updates about cpdrc is really awesome!! hay nakakatuwa namanng me nagmamalasakit sa kanila.,, to give them another chance in life.. na yung buhay nila hindi naman patapon na patapon na.. na they can do something better naman.. ang galing ng mga pix and details.. well goodluck!! It open my idea in helping thjese people if i could..

  9. Wala dae mu sugti og naog ley and sayaw kyog nila?
    Last year kay gipasayaw jud mi kyog nila. Nahadlok ko pag una kay basin unsaon mi. Pero boutan kaau sila. Ila mi gitudluan ug sayaw. 🙂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *