This avid Filipino Swiftie is entering his movie star era, and we couldn’t be prouder to watch him take over the world, just like his lifelong role model.
Every day truly is “the life of a showgirl” for Mac Coronel, who has made a name for himself through his fun-filled tributes to pop superstar Taylor Swift. For years, Coronel has captured the hearts of his fellow Swifties worldwide as Taylor Sheesh, with upbeat performances that draw inspiration from the singer-songwriter’s iconic eras. Now, larger crowds will finally discover his remarkable contributions to fandom spaces and pop culture at large.
Photo: EJ Geronimo (via Taylor Sheesh)/X
Next month, all of Coronel’s hard work on and off the stage is making it to the big screen thanks to his debut short film, Sheesh, A Taylor Love Story. The heartfelt documentary, directed by Ramona S. Diaz, will make waves at the DC/DOX Film Festival in Washington, D.C., which runs from June 11 to 14, 2026.
Who exactly is Taylor Sheesh beyond the virality and social media stardom? What does all this mean for Coronel, who has proudly represented Filipino drag and performance art across the globe? We may not have the answers yet, but we reckon this empowering short film does. Here’s what we know so far about Sheesh, A Taylor Love Story, ahead of its international premiere:
A Journey That Never Goes Out of Style
View this post on Instagram
Like many other fans, you probably came across Taylor Sheesh at the height of Swift’s phenomenal Eras Tour from 2023 to 2024. Coronel would dress up in replicas of her colorful concert get-ups, lip-sync to her greatest hits, bring utter joy to audiences of thousands, and make millions of viewers smile online.
Soon enough, Taylor Sheesh was everywhere—from mall gigs and drag shows in the Philippines to special stages overseas, some only a few blocks away from Swift’s sold-out arenas. Sheesh even made it to international news outlets like Good Morning America and ABC Australia, where Coronel talked about his drag journey and how being a Swiftie has immensely influenced his work.
Coronel has been doing drag since 2017, but he’s been a fan of Swift since 2009. His upcoming short film will give us a glimpse into his long-standing craft, which he has been honing alongside his Swiftie adventures throughout every era.
The Award-winning Director of Sheesh, A Taylor Love Story
View this post on Instagram
Bringing Sheesh, A Taylor Love Story to fruition wouldn’t have been possible without the prolific director at its helm—the globally acclaimed Ramona S. Diaz. Her independent films, which aren’t afraid to tackle timely social issues through a critical and hopeful lens, have earned her a wide variety of accolades. One of which is an Emmy Award in 2022 for A Thousand Cuts, her in-depth documentary about Maria Ressa.
Moreover, And So It Begins, Diaz’s latest full-length documentary about Leni Robredo’s 2022 presidential campaign, was the Philippines’ official selection for the Academy Awards’ Best International Feature Film category in 2024.
Diaz’s works have also made it to international film festivals in Berlin, Busan, and Amsterdam, among many others. Now, she’s heading to Washington for Sheesh, which she and her team filmed alongside Coronel for only three days.
Beyond the Glitz and Glamor
View this post on Instagram
Sheesh, A Taylor Love Story highlights Coronel’s everyday whereabouts as a call center agent by day and performer by night. Set among the restless, vibrant lifestyles of Filipino fandoms and drag communities, the short film captures the sheer magic of Taylor Sheesh, whose performances have evolved from viral entertainment staples to “sanctuaries of joy and belonging.”
Coronel’s accomplishments as Taylor Sheesh have brought pride and purpose to everyone he has met along the way. His performances continue to spark hope, freedom, and inclusivity to audiences big and small—from Swifties of all ages to fellow drag artists and storytellers in the LGBTQIA+ community who are striving to be seen.
ALSO READ: LOOK: Filipino Singer Matty Juniosa Earns His Second Golden Buzzer on “Britain’s Got Talent”
What do you think of Taylor Sheesh’s upcoming big-screen debut in Washington, D.C.? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Do you have a story for the WhenInManila.com Team? Email us at wheninmanila@gmail.com or send us a direct message at WhenInManila.com’s Facebook Page. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com community at WIM Squad, and join our Viber group to stay updated with the latest around the Philippines and beyond!
