One is a Gen Z musical icon, the other is a pianist to the stars. Together, they’re helping bring the superstar’s tour to life.
As we wait for Taylor Swift to bring her hotly anticipated Eras Tour to the Philippines, Filipino fans have been busy campaigning for the pop star’s attention.
READ ALSO: A Musical Journey: Taylor Swift’s Highly Anticipated Eras Tour Has Just Begun
One event, hosted by Swifties Philippines, is called The Eras Festival which will be held across Manila, Cebu, and Davao.
So while we’re busy manifesting, let’s take some time to learn about the two Filipinas who are showing their own talents on the same stage.
Beabadoobee
Filipino-British musician Beabadoobee has been dreaming of touring with Taylor Swift.
On the same day the official tour announcement was posted in November, we learned that the Gen Z icon will be opening the show for multiple stops.
going on tour with @taylorswift13 holy shit, a dream come true pic.twitter.com/eapurJ1fW9
— beabadoobee (@beabad00bee) November 1, 2022
Last February, Swift mentioned that the young singer was one of the “amazing” people she met at the NME Awards 2022.
When the pop star approached Beabadoobee, she told her “I’ve listened to your album and there are no skips.”
Beabadoobee a.k.a. Beatrice Kristi Laus, born in Iloilo City, is a self-proclaimed fan and is just as excited as anyone about the tour.
going on tour with taylor swift tomorrow and i cannot wait to make this face again
photo: @shotbyphox pic.twitter.com/Z3wmsurBob— beabadoobee (@beabad00bee) March 23, 2023
“I remember telling an interviewer that my dream support was Taylor Swift,” the singer told The Times UK. “And then I got a call from my manager saying she wants you to go on tour with her.”
“I’ve always loved her music. I grew up with it. I think ‘Love Story’ was the ringtone on my Nokia when I was seven.”
Karina DePiano
Suiting her last name perfectly, Karina DePiano plays the piano for a living. She’s also a music director and producer, born and raised in San Diego, California.
DePiano has an Italian father and a Filipina mother, and her Filipino roots have never been forgotten. The language and traditional food always filled their home.
“I feel extremely connected to my Filipino heritage. Living in Los Angeles provides me with such a rich connection to Filipino culture because of the big Filipino population here,” the pianist said in an interview with AAPI Musicians.
“I also feel so lucky that my immediate family lives here—I’ve grown up being able to hear their personal stories, learn more about my culture, and most importantly devour my Lola’s cooking.”
DePiano started taking piano lessons when she was just six years old. While she was initially classically trained, she eventually incorporated more pop music in high school to her playing.
She then graduated from the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music’s Popular Music Program with an emphasis in keyboard performance.
The pianist has played for some of the biggest pop stars in the world. The list includes Troye Sivan, Miley Cyrus, Fifth Harmony, Rita Ora, Kesha, Alessia Cara, Olivia Rodrigo, and NIKI.
Now adding Swift to her already packed resume, she’s scheduled to play over 50 shows in the Eras Tour.
Banner image via Instagram @sheplaysdepiano.
