'Catwalk King' struts his stuff in high heels at Singapore's Lucky Plaza, draws praise and brickbats

A bearded, muscled man sashaying outrageously in killer stilettos while blowing kisses in the heart of Orchard Road invited not only looks of amazement but also criticisms for his unwarranted performance.

But does he care what people think or say? Probably not.

Not if you're the comical Catwalk King with more than 300,000 Instagram followers.

Usually thronged with hundreds of domestic helpers on weekends, the pedestrian walkway in front of Singapore's famed Lucky Plaza shopping centre was conquered last week by Filipino actor-comedian Sinon Loresca, whose signature devil-may-care posture has been winning many fans.

Loresca, 28, shot to stardom almost overnight last year after playing a gay bodyguard in a skit on TV show "Eat Bulaga" in the Philippines.

He became a huge online sensation recently, when his Miss Universe-themed catwalk clip went viral with more than 7 million views.

In April, he took his seven-inch heels overseas for the first time - in a show in Jakarta - to fulfil his ultimate wish to strut on foreign soil.

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LUCKY PLAZA DEBUT

And he got to show his act in Singapore too last week.

One 'performance' at the poolside of a condo was broadcast live on YouTube while the more famous one at Lucky Plaza was posted on his Facebook page yesterday (Sep 10), capturing a million views over two days.

The video, which was shared on Sure Boh Facebook, has sparked a fierce debate between two camps.

Detractors like MikeTham slammed him for his insanity and being a bad influence on young people here.

He said: "Can never accept sissy (sic) around no matter how talented they are. Sorry...from old school. "

David Fun was upset that the police did not stop foreigners who were "misbehaving themselves in front of our public".

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CATWALK KING HELPS THE POOR

Supporters fought back, arguing that it was an entertaining and harmless act. One of them highlighted Loresca's kindness towards the poor and his work as an activist helping street children.

In fact, Loresca should know. He had to survive on leftovers on a 'garbage mountain' after his mother threw away his high school diploma upon learning he's gay.

Said Eric Tai: "Don't understand why people are complaining. It's his life, and he's walking with a nicer posture than any girl you can find in Singapore. So maybe shut your mouth if you got nothing good to say."

Others treat his catwalk with amazing spins as sheer entertainment.

Serene Sia enthused: "He is so funny to watch ....an amazing guy. I'm sure he excels in whatever that he is passionate about."

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chenj@sph.com.sg

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