Dancing inmates set to perform for free

Good news to all the fans of the dancing inmates of the provincial jail who could not get enough of their awesome dance routine.

Anytime soon, the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center will open its doors to the public wanting to see the dancing inmates perform for free.

Capitol consultant on electronic and mass media Jeanette Malinao yesterday said Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has approved to let anyone see the world-acclaimed dancing detainees perform.

The dancing detainees became instant celebrities worldwide after Capitol security consultant Byron Garcia posted their dance routine on the video-sharing YouTube as part of their discipline and rehabilitation.

Public clamor and request convinced the governor to allow the public to witness the inmates’ dance routine, said Malinao. Besides, the proposed activity will also help generate income for the inmates, she added.

The inmates wowed Cebuano balikbayans and tourists when they performed last January 18, ahead of the Sinulog festival.

The provincial government made true to its promise to present the famous dance routine of the inmates before Cebuanos and foreigners. As agreed, a province-owned bus ferried the tourists and balikbayans from the Capitol to the prison facility.

Tight security was implemented by the jail management. At the entrance gate, handmade souvenirs by the inmates are being sold.

Among the most-sought after souvenir is the orange T-shirt with letter “P” emblazoned and words “CPDRC inmates danced before me” and “I danced with the CPDRC inmates” printed on it.

But Malinao said the schedules of event for the public performance of the dancing inmates are yet to be announced.

The activity is also a way of giving appreciation to the public after the CPDRC management was nominated in the Galing Pook Award, the Capitol consultant said. — Gerome M. Dalipe/LPM