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Confessions of a male Swiftie
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You would know Dan Villanueva as Papa Dan, the original DJ of Barangay LSFM’s evening program, ‘Wanted Sweetheart.’
Papa Dan was not only famous with his listeners for his boy-next-door charm and witty punchlines during his program, he is also a proud fan of the late Francis M.
In 2016, he migrated to Australia to work in a completely different industry. So, learning he went on a 34-hour trip from his homebase in Sydney to Houston, Texas just to watch Taylor Swift on her The Eras Tour was mind-boggling, to say the least!
In this exclusive interview, GMA News Online was able to catch up with the former Barangay LSFM DJ, who shared with us his journey to the highly-anticipated Eras Tour and how being a male Swiftie, the term for Taylor Swift fans, helped him cope with life as an immigrant in Sydney, Australia.
When did you become a true-blue Swifite?
Back when I was still part of Barangay LS, the only Taylor Swift song I played was "Style."
But in 2018, we had the chance to watch her perform live in Sydney for the Reputation Tour. That show was unforgettable. I’ve been a full swiftie convert ever since.
How did Taylor Swift's songs inspire you?
Taylor Swift's music has a unique ability to connect with listeners on a personal and emotional level, and it's not uncommon for people to find motivation and clarity through her songwriting.
Her lyrics often touch on themes such as perseverance, self-empowerment, and personal growth, which can be particularly inspiring during challenging times. She has a lot of songs that deal with issues of self-discovery and personal identity, which can be helpful when you’re trying to find clarity in your life.
Did Taylor Swift’s songs help you adjust with life as an immigrant in Australia?
Of course! Most of her songs talked about being independent, and it gave me comfort at a time when I needed to be assured that it’s okay to be alone, that everything will be alright even if I’m away from people that are familiar to me like my family and friends.
When I became a Swiftie, I was inspired to find space and rethink my priorities. I learned how to aim for bigger dreams again.
How did you prepare for your journey to see Taylor Swift?
It was more of a last minute— one month before the actual date of the concert. I was about to resign, then I told myself, okay, I might as well go— do something that would mark this ‘"milestone."
First I needed to find a ticket from a reliable source. I wanted floor seats and when I secured the ticket, everything else followed— I planned the flight carefully since I’ll be leaving on the 21st. The concert is on April 22, what if there are delays? Thank God, none of that happened.
How would you describe your whole experience during the concert?
IT WAS ELECTRIC, EMOTIONAL AND MEMORABLE. If it’s a Taylor Swift concert, you’re sure that there will be dynamic stage performance, elaborate costumes, impressive choreography, and stunning visual effects. Her concerts are known for their high production values, with state-of-the-art lighting, sound, and special effects.
Attending a Taylor Swift concert as a male fan can be a memorable and enjoyable experience, full of energy, excitement, and a sense of belonging.
How did you feel when you saw Taylor perform live for the second time?
Nervous! I felt like crying, but at the same time, I’m happy and I couldn’t believe I was able to do it! That I am actually there! I made it on time, jetlag and all. It was worth the more than one day travel because I knew it was going to be an incredible and unforgettable experience.
How different was your experience now compared to seeing her perform in 2018?
Well, now, I’m a full-fledged Male Swiftie. After 2018, I developed a deeper appreciation for her albums. Her songs gave me motivation, clarity and hope.
The Eras Tour is really special for me because she performed select songs from all her albums — for 3.5 hours, I was transported to many different places, memories, and feelings that were very personal to me.
What can you say to people who think differently about male swifties?
It’s important to recognize that people of all genders and backgrounds can be fans of any artist, including Taylor Swift. Her music appeals to a diverse audience, and she has many male fans who appreciate her songwriting, musical talent, and artistic vision.
Sabi nga, “Swiftie" has become a unifying label for fans of Taylor Swift, regardless of their gender. It’s a term that represents the shared love and appreciation for her music and artistry. As a DJ myself, we know that music can bring people together and transcend gender, race, and other characteristics. People should be free to enjoy the music they love without judgment or discrimination.
Pick a Taylor Swift song that best describes your life right now.
Delicate – The lyrics describe a tentative and uncertain relationship, but ultimately express a belief in the possibility of something real and lasting:
"Is it cool that I said all that? / Is it chill that you're in my head? / 'Cause I know that it's delicate (delicate) / Is it cool that I said all that? / Is it too soon to do this yet? / 'Cause I know that it's delicate."
Any advice to Filipino Swifties who dream of seeing Taylor Swift live?
I’d like to make it clear that I saved up for moments like this. I wasn’t able to wait for her to go to Sydney and I’m fortunate because I have the means to watch her in America.
But let me tell you this, ANY SEAT IS A GOOD SEAT in a Taylor Swift Concert. Even if you’re not a Swiftie, you should get the opportunity to watch her perform live, at least once in your lifetime, because it’s a different experience! Let’s all pray that she’ll have an Eras Tour in the Philippines.
Even if I’ve already watched her twice, I’m willing to fly back home just to see her, so, kitakits na lang! — LA, GMA Integrated News
