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name_withheld 60F
733 posts
1/30/2010 8:55 am
They Don't (Really) Care About Us


Note: I have started blogging at SFF and have posted this blog there too but thought it would be nice to post it here too
Yeah I switched over. Need a new environment, a new inspiration to write so I can finish my poetry book project this year.


Phenomenal!

Who would have thought that a correctional institution such as the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC, Cebu, Philippines) could rise to fame via youtube? But no, it is not the means that they rose to fame that is phenomenal but the fact that these are inmates dancing to different popular tunes with the choreographic moves of professionals.

Their latest vid -- a tribute to Michael Jackson featuring the MJ song, "They Don't Care About Us". The inmates in this maximum security prison was visited by no less than Michael Jackson's long-time choreographer Travis Payne and dancers Daniel Celebre and Dres Reid to learn performances from THIS IS IT.

This is not their first vid, they have had several other performances before this which have caught worldwide attention when these vids were uploaded to the biggest and most popular video website, youtube.

It all started with an attempt to diffuse a volatile situation with a full-blown prison riot brewing. Extracting the idea from another movie that the warden, Byron F. Garcia, had seen previously, where an inmate walked into the warden's office and spoke via the public address system which created a huge impact bringing about a positive change --but that's scripted because it was in a movie, while the CPDRC case was real-life.

When the jail warden played the song "Another One Bites the Dust" which was stored in his USB flash drive along with two other songs, the volatile situation was calmed and the riot did not happen. It's been three straight years now that this maximum security prison has been riot-free.

It wasn't overnight success either, and the inmates did not right away welcome the choreographers. When they eventually agreed to participate, it took a long while to teach them the moves but everything paid off well. They now have numerous dance performances captured on video and uploaded to the internet.

There are various concerns as to the possible misleading effect of the popularity of these inmates against the concept of correction and rehabilitation but who would argue with the positive effects it gives now? Physically healthy inmates (what with all that physical exercise they get from dancing), mentally healthier inmates that are veered away from boredom inside the institution and a generally happier and more cheerful environment inside the confines of maximum security.

It is absurd to think that one would intentionally commit a serious crime to join the dancing inmates (I personally don't think one would do it intentionally) but for those who are already committed there, it is a relief to know that they are in one of the safest prison environment in the land-- where they dance their time away. Whatta whole new way to DO TIME.

achtungbabyZ2 49F

1/30/2010 9:25 am

pardon my ignorance once more but what is SFF??


achtungbabyZ2 49F

1/30/2010 11:19 am

It is absurd to think that one would intentionally commit a serious crime to join the dancing inmates (I personally don't think one would do it intentionally) but for those who are already committed there, it is a relief to know that they are in one of the safest prison environment in the land-- where they dance their time away. Whatta whole new way to DO TIME.

was actually thinking this when i watched the said vid. these in mates are famous now and they looked so cool doing all those moves. well thats for me who cant dance to save her life anyway. it might be different before that they are not well known yet but what about now that they are the most watched inmates in the whole world.

in fairness, they were good.


frozenflower3 64F

1/30/2010 1:24 pm

It's a great idea to release all that good endomorphins. Healthier too than drugs. They are spreading the love around and that's a very good thing... Finally found an outlet, beneficial to everyone!!!


odette317 61F
1312 posts
1/31/2010 9:24 am

    Quoting achtungbabyZ2:
    pardon my ignorance once more but what is SFF??
SFF I guess is another dating site for seniors. Senior Friendfinders if I may spell it out???

Follow your dreams... and hit the mark.


odette317 61F
1312 posts
1/31/2010 9:37 am

I wonder if you are from Cebu? I'm from Cebu and it amazes me to think that these inmates really have gotten the attention of the outside world, afterall, there is something in these criminals(considering that they have committed a crime to be there) that we can be proud of.

We hope that their popularity will not motivate others to do crime just to get in and be part of them...lol.

Follow your dreams... and hit the mark.


eb1209

2/1/2010 5:20 pm

I have watched the different dance moves via YouTube, and I am so proud to a Pinoy....You know, dancing is a very good "diversion" and it boosts the self esteem of the criminals who used to think that they're an outcast to the society, and now, being looked upon as phenomenal performers, THE FIRST, I believe in the history of prison cells...What a FEELing!


Just call me ELZ


achtungbabyZ2 49F

2/7/2010 7:03 am

    Quoting odette317:
    SFF I guess is another dating site for seniors. Senior Friendfinders if I may spell it out???