MANILA, Philippines?TV host JC Tiuseco, ?Survivor Philippines: First Season? winner, said he regretted not being able to bring home as many souvenirs as he could from Ko Tarutao Island in Thailand, where the reality program was shot.

JC lived on the island for 39 days. When he came home, the former varsity player of the San Sebastian Golden Stags said, he brought with him a chest of memories from the experience that changed his outlook forever.

?I wish I took home the paddle I used in one of the challenges, or my spear, or the tool I used to smash skulls. But they didn?t fit in my bags,? JC told Living Stars when we visited the Tiuseco home in Quezon City.

He added: ?I?m a different person. ?Di na ako maarte. I don?t mind sleeping on the floor [and I] eat whatever?s on the table. ?

?Survivor? opened many doors for JC. He has joined the GMA 7 morning show ?Unang Hirit? as a co-host; he?s also an image model for a popular line of apparel; and his image has graced the cover of several sports and health magazines.

Memorabilia

We used these scrolls on the island. I kept them because they reminded me of all the challenges that I won. My favorite is the one that won me a car. I also kept the questionnaire we were made to answer. One of the questions was: ?Sino pinakamabaho?? This wooden chest had, among other things, the key for one of the challenges.

Shirts

My favorite hooded shirt has the logo of Flash on it.

I use these long-sleeved shirts in ?Unang Hirit.? I like the sleeves rolled up. It has a nice effect.

Bottoms

This pair of board shorts from Rip Curl is memorable, too. I wore it on days when we had to compete on a challenge.

I like jeans from Penshoppe. They?re very comfortable. I prefer tight-fit and straight-cut to baggy or loose jeans.

Shoes

I?m more into sneakers than formal shoes. I have a lot of Converse Chuck Taylors but the Kurt Cobain model is my favorite.

For basketball shoes, my choice is Nike. For formal occasions, I use a pair from Zara (in patent leather).

I don?t ever plan to throw away the slippers I wore on the island. I don?t use it anymore, though, baka maputol na kasi.

Gadget

I?ve had this MacBook for less than a year. When I get home, I surf the Net before going to sleep. My favorite sites are Facebook, iGMA and the forum on BMW cars. I?m currently restoring a 1989 model.

Collectibles

These are Ferrari collectible cars from Shell. I started collecting last year. I?m really into cars. They fascinate me.

Bags

I don?t leave home without my kit, which contains my mouthwash, shampoo, facial wash, balm and wax for the hair. It also has my toothpaste and toothbrush, and rubbing alcohol.

The Nike duffel bag is my current favorite. It can carry all the stuff I need for work.

Scents

I go for the spicy scent of Abercrombie & Fitch?s Fierce. I also like Dunhill Classic. These scents really last long. You don?t have to spray much.

Accessories

Except for the Omega piece, most of my watches are sporty-looking. I really save up for them. The Omega watch is known to be sturdy. You can hand it down to your kid brother or even to your son. I also have Philip Stein, ToyWatch, TechnoMarine and G-shock, the first piece I got as a gift.

Book

?The Art of Seduction? (by Robert Greene and Jools Elffers) is my favorite. I read it before joining ?Survivor.? It?s about reading other people?s personalities and knowing how to react to each of them.

E-mail mcruz@inquirer.com.ph