Taylor Sheesh grateful for overwhelming support: I’m only returning Swifties’ efforts

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 14) — A Philippine stop has yet to be added to pop star Taylor Swift’s iconic Eras Tour, but her Filipino impersonator, viral drag performer Taylor Sheesh, has a lot in store for Swifties in Manila.

Taylor Sheesh, whose real name is Mac Coronel, said she still couldn’t believe the big fan base she has built in the country for impersonating Swift in mall shows.

“Ganito ba talaga ako ka-sikat? Ganito ba talaga ako ka-viral? [Am I really this popular, this viral?],” Coronel told CNN Philippines’ The Source on Thursday.

“Super grateful ako tsaka super appreciated ko talaga ‘yung effort nila (Swifties)... ‘Yung effort na binibigay nila, parang binabalik rin namin so binibigyan rin namin sila ng good show talaga,” she said.

[Translation: I’m super grateful and I appreciate all their efforts…The effort they give, we try to give back, which is why we give them good shows.]

Coronel said some Swifties come very early to mall shows and listening parties and stay late to watch her impersonate the multi-awarded singer.

She also thanked the entire Taylor Swift fan base for supporting her, citing the opportunities given to her by organizers of listening parties.

The drag performer admitted that her sudden rise in popularity was very unexpected, recounting how she started the whole thing by performing in shows at local bars.

Coronel said she was encouraged by a friend to join an impromptu lip sync battle at a party, where her performance caught the attention of a bar manager.

Her first viral video impersonating Taylor Swift was also unplanned, as she only intended to attend a listening party dolled up as the singer.

“Nagkaroon ng listening party sa isang mall. Then, pumunta lang kami ng friends ko doon as audience and naka-full drag talaga ako na Taylor and the organizer asked me if I can do a surprise performance. After nun, it went viral,” she recalled

[Translation: There was a listening party at one mall. Then, my friends and I just went there to watch and I was in full Taylor drag and the organizer asked me if I can do a surprise performance. After that, it went viral.]

Coronel said she has been a fan of Swift since high school and attributed the American megastar’s popularity in the relatability of all her songs.

“In every situation there is a Taylor Swift song,” she added.

Coronel invites all Swifties to join her biggest mall tour lined up in October, which coincides with the release date of Taylor’s reworked album "1989".