CPDRC Dance Sesion | Totally Cebu

Friday, 18th May 2012

CPDRC Dance Session: Smooth Criminals

CPDRC Dance Session: Smooth Criminals

cebu cpdrc dance courtesy of youtube The date of August 8, 2007 will forever be remembered by the Cebuanos and visiting watchers who have gathered in the CPDRC (Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center) compound. This is so since, for the first time, the CPDRC inmates have prepared themselves for a certain dance session inspired by Michael Jackson’s hit, Thriller. Approximately 1,500 inmates instilled awe to the unsuspecting spectators and dazzled them with their oh-so-smooth version of the hit song. They also performed the hits YMCA and In The Navy by The Village People.

In the beginning

It began with an idea to add a bit of structure to the inmates’ daily exercise. Since its first day, the usual exercise turned out to be a better change that enabled the CPDRC inmates to get enjoyable experience and not just get weary with their poor regimen. The idea would be to let the inmates do daily exercises that would require discipline and patience; two components that, I think, represent the whole rehabilitation program.

First off to be appointed in the said program was 35-year-old Wenjiel Resane, a former pizza chef tasked to play the part of Michael Jackson’s “girlfriend” in the Thriller video-inspired dance. The ponytailed Resane is pending trial on a drug charge and is part of the openly gay community in the compound. Meanwhile, the known “star” of the CPDRC dance show is 36-year-old Crisanto Nierre, another inmate who is appointed to play Michael Jackson. Ironically, his childhood favorite hits are Jackson’s hits Smooth Criminal and Bad.

Among other inmates who have participated in the performance are awaiting trials on murder charges.

The aftermath

I visited the known video-sharing turf of YouTube and found out that there are over 10 million views along with lots of comments already. This is actually one of Cebu’s hot items right now, if not the hottest. With its acquired popularity, whether the radio waves and television, a donation of P1.6 million was given to the CPDRC foundation to be used in facility improvement and others. The inmates who have participated in the dance event was given P1,000.00 each for their own consummation.

Presently, the CPDRC group is now rehearsing their next dance titled “Together in Electric Dreams”.

With this kind of treatment, not to mention the reward and delight, given to the inmates, I wouldn’t be surprised if they try to refuse their much-anticipated plea to be released. Or if so, they’re going to find means to get back inside once again and join the CPDRC dance session once again.

Their previous performance can be viewed here.

10 Sep 07 | | Events