Inspirational

It’s truly remarkable how a spark of ingenuity can create shockwaves to change destinies that would have otherwise been cemented in ruin.

Such is the story of a prison located in Cebu, Philippines; where the majority of the inmates are awaiting trial or have been convicted of violent crime. Every moment in the prison was etched in tension and turmoil with corruption by the guards fuelling episodes of violence after violence.

Enter Byron Garcia.

Heading the once notorious prison housing the nation’s most violent group of prisoners, he chanced upon footage of a typical afternoon march. He innocently thought it would be fun to inject an element of dance into it and then introduced this idea to the inmates.

That eureka moment transformed lives.

The dance exercises occupied the idle minds of the inmates and soon eroded animosity between the rival gang members within the grey washed walls of the prison.

How can you be my enemy when you are my friend?

Thus the seed was sowed.

In the process, violence within the walls plunged to zero and joy started sprouting from within the inmates. Every month, the inmates will perform a routine for visitors at the monthly show. Each mass collaboration is videoed and posted online on youtube for the world to enjoy.

Nobody hides their face (nor the pride they feel) because they are genuinely proud of the work they’ve done. Each step, paves the way to a lighter soul, even if it does little to change their grim reality.

Watching their dance routines online, you sincerely feel the joy that radiates from a soul finally freed from the troubles of the secular world. And it’s difficult to not be moved by something so innocent as carefree dance.

Inspirational.

It doesn’t take a hell lot of money to make change. It doesn’t matter if it costs a dollar or 10 cents. All that matters is that change does occur. You just need to let it happen.

I'm going to break into song and embrace dance too! So don't be alarmed if I walk with a jiggle and a step lighter the next time you happen to spot me! I'm allowing myself to experience joy.

Support the Cebu Prison project and spread the word.

Hope truly exists.

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Watch their story here