KOTA KINABALU: With her chart-topping hits and killer looks, Selena Gomez is easily one of the most recognisable celebrities in the world.
In Sabah, people can be forgiven for doing a double take at the sight of local teen sensation Phantegerow Louiselle Leo Estrop.
For Phantegerow, better known as Phan, not only looks like Selena, but is also set for a promising career in the entertainment industry.
When her uncanny resemblance to the pop star was discovered in social media a few months back, Phan saw her popularity soar to staggering heights.
Since then, she has received offers to not only model for fashion and beauty products but also a role in Sumpahan Kinabalu, New Line Film Sdn Bhd production.
To date, Phan has already established an impressive fan base with nearly 27,000 followers in Facebook and Instagram.
Despite her newfound fame, the teen, of Kadazan-Dusun and Dutch descent, remains firmly grounded.
“I would be lying if I said that being likened to Selena does not make me happy or proud. I consider it an honour,” she enthused, “but I do not want to let that get to my head. At the end of the day, I am still me, not Selena.”
“I do admit however that my life changed since last August, when some of my photos in social media were being compared to Selena without me even knowing.
“Since then, I have received a lot of modelling and acting offers but for now, I am only contracted to an acting role in the film (Sumpahan Kinabalu).”
Eighteen-year-old Phan is also adamant about staying focused on her studies for the time being.
“I chose the acting gig because it does not interfere too much with my studying time,” she said.