CPDRC inmates of Cebu

The CPDRC inmates rock out their prison and Cebu! Famous for their clips on youtube and international press coverage, the inmates represent a unique case in criminal justice. When I first saw them on the news I was skeptical about the dancing - was it a human rights violation, or an expression from the soul? After viewing the (2-hour!!) performance and meeting a few of the inmates myself, I was convinced of the latter. The Philippines loves its Karoake, and they love to dance. Within this culture, this is one of the greatest things that has ever happened for prisoners. I'm proud to say it was turned around by the powerful García family of Cebu (No relation, I think).



Samim poses in a break-dancing position with the inmates


These are the happiest prisoners I've ever seen.


A prisoner acts the part of a zombie for his part in Michael Jackson's "Thriller"


The girlfriend in "Thriller" is captured by the zombies and transformed into one.


Inmates pray as they begin their routine to a few songs from "Sister Act"

This prison looks uninviting from the outside, but it very fun on the inside.
I would love to see more forward-thinking prisons like this one.

Cebu by weekend

On the weekends, there's and eclectic mix of outings in and around Cebu. There's always karaoke, then there are the resorts, the islands, the live music venues - new music and cover bands. There's the church of Santo Niño, "Tops" overlooking the city, and casinos with very odd beauty pageants. BUT, on the way to seeing the CPDRC inmates there were kids singing verbatim the lyrics to T-Pain's "Apple Bottom Jeans" song. Here Katie Moon caught me in action photographing those children.


Here are a few shots in and around Cebu:

Karaoke at it's worst/best, depending on your perspective.

The view atop "Tops"

Near the twin lakes National Park, Negros Oriental


Stay tuned for a blog on the CPDRC inmates!