MANILA, Philippines—Actor-TV host Kian Kazemi used to spend a lot on hats and caps.
From age 16 to 20, he had a condition called alopecia, or rapid hair loss due to an abnormality in the immune system.
“I shaved my head and constantly wore a cap,” Kian, now 22, said during our visit to the Kazemi condominium unit in Makati City. “One day, I woke up with all my hair back. I gave most of the hats away.” The “Pinoy Big Brother Season 2” housemate said he kept a few pieces to “remind me of those depressing times.”
Kian, whose father is an Iranian national, confessed to having a sentimental attachment to a lot of things. For example, he has a necklace that “first belonged to my great, great, great grandma.”
Collections
I started collecting NBA cards at age 14. My prized possessions are my Kobe Bryant cards, which he signed when he visited RP in 1998. I took notice of Kobe’s potential early on. So I was able to buy a lot of his cards. When he came here I sold a P50 card to a Kobe fan for P1,500.
My uncle and I are NBA fanatics. When I was younger, we would cut out pictures of players from magazines, glue them on pieces of wood, then carve figurines out of them.
I’m also a collector of knives. I bought this self-defense knife because I wanted to go into pekiti or knife training. My parents didn’t allow me. I have a knife from Madagascar, from a schoolmate whose family went there. The cover is supposedly made from cheetah skin.
This classic, hand-made opium pipe from Iran is a gift from my uncle. You can’t find anything like this here.
I also collect action figures, toy cars and Coca-Cola memorabilia. I have Lamborghini and Ferrari toy cars. One day, I will drive a prestigious car of my own.
This music box is from Europe, a present from Dad. It’s an antique—priceless.
Clothes
This [black cotton tee] is my lucky shirt. I didn’t plan on auditioning for PBB. My modeling agency just made me go. I arrived at the screenings two hours late. I begged the guard to let me in, naawa sa akin. It’s got to be the shirt.
My prized suit is a Giorgio Armani. I’ve had it since college. I wore it when I got evicted from PBB, and a lot of other events. I have other suits, mostly bought in Iran, where they make them really well. This vest is from Dad, also bought in Iran.
The brown leather jacket is a gift from my brother Arian. It looks expensive, but he bought it for just P100 in an ukay-ukay shop. I got the black leather jacket especially for the production number I did in “ASAP” with Piolo (Pascual), Sam (Milby) and Zanjoe (Marudo). It was a humbling experience. Kasama ko ang mga veterans (laughs).
My favorite jeans brand is Lee. The style is simple, the price is simple.
My favorite board shorts got ripped when we went wakeboarding in Boracay recently for my travel show, “Trip na Trip.”
I have a lot of neckties because I wore them to school. Hotel and Restaurant Management) students were required to wear suits and ties.
Footwear
This brown leather pair from Zara is special. I used it for the “Trip na Trip” episode where I wrestled a bull in Masbate, the country’s rodeo capital. I also like flip-flops. I used my Corona sandals when I taped for the show in Bora.
Scents
Bulgari Extreme is a classic. It lasts three days when you spray it on your shirt. Girls will want to hug you again and again.
Accessories
My lucky necklace was first owned by my great great great grandma. The pendant is a replica of the Koran. My dad is Muslim but I’m Catholic. I wear this to remind me that I have the best of both worlds.
E-mail mcruz@inquirer.com.ph
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