MANILA, Philippines—Perfect for snuggling up to on drizzly Friday mornings.

This phrase best describes actor JC de Vera and his collections. The star of Regal Films’ current offering, “Loving You,” and GMA 7’s forthcoming series, “La Lola,” collects hooded jackets — the perfect gear for rainy days and nights.

He also stacks up on baseball caps, shades and scents.

In a way, this guy’s collectibles are good all year round: shades for summer; hooded jackets for stormy weather.

Although he admits to impulse-buying (especially when it comes to baseball caps), he considers himself a frugal shopper.

“I’m very practical,” he insists. “I don’t like gadgets or toys. I prefer things that are useful and can be worn for a long time.”

BASEBALL CAPS

Not just any cap would do for JC.

“I collect only closed caps— those that don’t have adjustable straps at the back,” he points out.

“These are not available locally. I ask friends and relatives to buy for me in the US.”

He has amassed quite a collection of authentic baseball caps from teams like the Los Angeles Angels and New York Yankees.

“I have around 30 caps,” he admits. “Sometimes I wear a cap only once and forget about it. It’s just in my room, lost in the pile.” Apart from his Yankees caps, another fave is Oakley. He says, “Oakley is one of the brands I love best — even when it comes to board shorts and shades.”

SHADES

When it comes to eyewear, he’s partial to only two brands: “Oakley and Rudy Project.” In terms of design, he’s crazy about aviator glasses. Some of the shades are gifts (like the white wayfarers from Brazil), but most were purchased with hard-earned money.

“The last time I bought shades was this summer, to wear on the beach or while biking,” he explains.

As far as shades are concerned, though, he’s bound to pick substance over style.

“I’d rather buy one made with sturdy metal parts than plastic. They cost the same, at least P15,000.”

HOODED JACKETS

His fascination for hooded jackets was sparked after watching a slew of Hollywood films featuring gangsta rappers.

“They look astig (fierce),” he says.

He has a preppy Zara and a rocker Oakley and has stumbled on good buys in People Are People.

SCENTS

When he was a kid, most of his scents were gifts from parents Rolando and Carmen.

Perfume is a fool-proof present for guys like him, he admits. “But some brands like Polo I’d rather not put on … these just look good on the shelf,” he confesses. “Pang-display lang.”

The fragrances he’d gladly wear every day are Echo by Davidoff and Reaction by Kenneth Cole. Other faves are Versace, Mango, Sculpture by Nikos and Acqua di Gio by Armani.

SHOES, SHIRTS

As for footwear, he goes for sneakers by Adidas and Nike. “That’s because I’m into basketball and boxing.”

He limits his shoe collection to 20 pairs. “When I buy four pairs, I dispose four old ones,” he says. “I either sell or give them away to relatives.”

Same goes for clothes and shirts, he says. “[Clothes sponsor] Bench usually sends over 15 to 20 shirts and five pants and shorts a month,” he says. “I make sure I have room for new clothes.”

Spoken like the practical guy that he is.

E-mail: bayanisandiego@hotmail.com