ICYMI, American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift skipped over her Flipino fanbase, scheduling regional stopovers in Japan and Singapore. The Eras Tour encapsulates the artistic journey of the multi-Grammy award-winning artist through a three-hour performance spanning her discography.
Considering the possibility that “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” local heartbroken Swifties mull over the possibility of attending the concert in neighboring countries. With many missing out on the 44-song setlist live, Filipinos are embracing the bootleg version of “Taylor Sheesh”.
Mac Coronel (aka Taylor Sheesh) puts together a familiar look, incorporating Swift’s makeup and blonde locks paired with a shimmering tasseled leotard into his engaging lip-synced performances.
Cips of Sheesh’s live renditions populate social media, featuring hour-long sets of timeless hits—even accompanied by backup dancers at times. Coronel recently toured several local shopping malls and drag events as a beacon of one of Swift’s largest fanbases outside of the US.
A call-center agent by day, drag performer by night, and Swiftie all-around, Sheesh breathes life into the American Pop-icon with the persona amplifying his love for the “Speak Now” artist. A Swiftie since 2009, he recollects hearing the relatable “Fifteen” track, which initially sparked his interest in the singer-songwriter.
From donning the Swift-inspired mantle, Sheesh mentions that he “is the happiest,” being able to impersonate one of his icons—embracing the love and energy from the audience.
“Pag hindi ako si Taylor, nagkakaroon ako ng inner saboteur sa life. Palaging may self-doubt,” Sheesh tells ABS-CBN News. “Unlike pag naka-drag ako, parang tumataas ang confidence level ko. Lalo na pag maraming crowd, parang may ibang energy na sumasanib sa akin.”
