CPDRC inmates asked to dance the “Macarena”

The Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center inmates are now preparing for another dance for the upcoming 15th anniversary of the Spanish song “Macarena” which is known as the world’s best selling single of all time.

 “Macarena” by Los del Rio, composed of members Antonio Romero and Rafael Ruiz, sent a formal communication to Capitol security consultant Byron Garcia to have the inmates dance the Macarena.

Aside from being a song it is also a dance.

“We wanted to let you know that this year marks the 15th Anniversary of Macarena, so if you want to use the new mix for one of your videos we can send you the new track and we will post the video on our website,” the letter read.

According to Romero and Ruiz, they saw the video of the CPDRC inmates dancing to Michael Jackson’s 1983 hit song “Thriller” on YouTube.

“We learned about the program in your jail with music and dancing,” Romero and Ruiz added.

“Wa ko magtuo nga sila gyud mismo ang nagpadala sa ilang communication aron lang pasayawon ang mga inmates sa ilang Macarena.  Unya ila pa gyud ibutang sa ilang website,” Byron Garcia said.

Garcia said dancing has helped him and other jail personnel gain better control of the inmates.

“My focus was rehabilitation but with the dance routines, we have also achieved discipline among inmates.  It’s really discipline at work,” he said.

Garcia said that getting the inmates to join an exercise routine was his idea of introducing reforms at the facility.  He said the physical fitness regime has helped improve the behavior of inmates.  The dancing is compulsory for all 1,600 inmates at the prison except the elderly and the sick. 

Based on the records of Hollywood powerhouse entertainment, the “Macarena” become the second-longest running number 1 and the best selling debut single of all time in the United States.   — Garry B. Lao/BRP