The CPDRC inmates made headlines all over the world, when a video of their ‘Thriller’ routine was uploaded on video-sharing site YouTube. When it was first uploaded, it easily got more than a million hits (visits/views). The video eventually made it to Time Magazine’s 10 Most Viral Videos of 2007. Because of the video’s unexpected success, countless news agencies from different parts of the world flocked to the CPDRC compound to cover the live performances.

Today, a year and three months after the Thriller video was uploaded, it now has (are you ready?) more than 18 Million hits! Believe me, that’s NOT an easy feat.

Mr. Garcia indicated that the ‘dance program’ has helped the facility a lot. He said that because of the program, gangs have been abolished, prisoners now smile often, and they all now treat each other as close friends. Mr. Garcia also mentioned that, compared to the previous years, so far, no inmates have re-entered the facility after they were released. This fact, according to Mr. Garcia, only proves that the program is very beneficial not only to the facility and the staff but also to the prisoner. He added that since the facility started having live presentations, prisoners now have more confidence and they gained back their self-worth and self-esteem.

And by the way, Mr. Byron Garcia shared that because of their shows, a lot of visitors gave donations. The donations were then deposited to the account of the inmates. They all have bank passbooks. At present, they have a combined deposit of more than 2 million pesos!



























More info and photos HERE