I watched Taylor Swift in bespoke ‘Eras Tour’ barong
Dear Taylor,
Look what you made me do!
In a world that’s emerging from the shadows of a pandemic, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of a live concert. And when it comes to concerts, Taylor Swift reigns supreme.
The anticipation for her world tour was palpable, but for many of us in Asia, the excitement was tinged with disappointment as only two stops were scheduled—Japan and Singapore. I vividly remember the frenzy of trying to secure tickets, whether through lotteries or frantic last-minute searches. The struggle was real, but as Taylor herself might say, just “Shake It Off.”
My journey to “The Eras Tour” took unexpected twists and turns. Plans to attend the Sydney show fell through, leaving me feeling like an antihero in my own life story. But fate intervened and a neighbor’s ticket became my golden opportunity to catch Taylor in Singapore.
With just weeks to prepare, I scrambled to arrange flights and accommodations, determined not to miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was a race against time, but as Taylor would say, “You Need to Calm Down.”
One crucial element remained—my outfit. Determined to represent a country of 117 million Filipinos, I sought to make a statement. Enter a talented friend, Denyse Oruga of @Jacksqueenstudios, who crafted a bespoke barong Tagalog adorned with Taylor motifs. It was a work of art that captured the essence of both my heritage and my love for Taylor’s music.
My barong’s trip from Manila to Singapore was not without its own tale. Due to expensive airline tickets, many Filipino fans like me embarked on nondirect flights to Singapore. The best option for a short layover was Hong Kong via Cathay Pacific.
Unexpected encounters
On show day, as I wore a symbol of my heritage to the “Eras Tour,” I was met with nods of approval and smiles from fellow fans. My barong sparked conversations and connections, uniting us in our shared love for Taylor’s music. I also encountered a fellow Filipino in a modern interpretation of the terno, reinforcing the creativity and camaraderie of Swifties from our homeland.
As the lights dimmed and Taylor took the stage, I felt a surge of excitement and gratitude for being part of this momentous occasion.
The magic of Taylor’s performance was heightened by unexpected encounters. Filipino celebrities Andrea Brillantes and Taylor Sheesh were in the crowd and they gamely posed for pics, adding to the sense of camaraderie among fans. And in a surreal moment, I found myself in the same breathing space as international stars like Shinee’s Minho and Blackpink’s Lisa, further emphasizing the global appeal of Taylor’s music.
For over three hours, Taylor mesmerized us with her hits, from “Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince” to “Karma.” Whether it was luck brought by the barong or simply Taylor’s magic, the show surpassed all expectations.
As a special treat on her second night in Singapore, she unveiled the monochromatic album art of the special edition, along with a surprise mention of “The Tortured Poets Department” variant, “The Black Dog” (the universe made it an “Enchanted” night for us). It was a night filled with unforgettable moments, a testament to the enduring love of Swifties everywhere.
As I reflect on my “Eras Tour” experience, one thing is clear—the love of Filipinos for Taylor Swift knows no bounds. From the intricate details of my barong to the shared joy and excitement of fellow fans, it’s a love that transcends borders and connects us all through the magic of Taylor’s music.
“Long live all the magic we made,” sings Taylor. Indeed, long live the unwavering devotion of Filipino Swifties.
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