MANILA, Philippines??Survivor Philippines? Season 1 castaway John Lopez said his yearlong stint as a sales associate for Bvlgari Philippines taught him all about fragrances.

?We studied what we sold extensively. Each scent has a product manual, which contained a detailed list of ingredients, as well as the manufacture and expiration dates. We also learned how to study codes printed on every bottle,? John explained.

During a chat at his condo unit in Greenhills, San Juan, John gave Living Stars some interesting tips on perfumes. ?A scent should not be used a year after it was made. Using expired perfume could result to skin irritations,? said John, now a ramp and print ad model.

He added: ?A perfume is more effective when it blends with your skin?s natural oil and sweat.?

John has been using Bvlgari por Homme and Bvlgari Extreme for years now. ?People like both scents on me. While I?m open to trying other brands, they are my all-time favorites,? John said.

Shoes

I?m a fan of Puma. My favorite is this pair of driving shoes (in gold, red and silver). I got this on sale. Buy sufficient pairs. If you have too many, you won?t get to wear them as frequently as you should.

Tops

I started buying long-sleeved shirts when we created our modeling agency Raven Models. You have to be dressed properly during business meetings. I prefer colorful buttoned-down shirts to just plain whites. Mas lalo kasi akong umiitim sa white.

Suits

I like the brand Zara. It?s affordable but the quality of its products can very well compete with Italian brands known for suits. I prefer the classic cut. Be very particular about your suit?s length and fit. Even though it?s made from a very expensive fabric, if it doesn?t fit you right, wala rin.

Jacket

My favorite is the Philippine track jacket from Adidas Originals. I waited for eight months to get it. It?s worth the wait.

Accessories

I?m a fan of Suunto. I also like DKNY. Your watches should conform to your lifestyle. For example, Suunto is very sturdy and is waterproof. It?s built for water sports. It?s perfect for me because I?m a dragon boat enthusiast.

You don?t have to own a lot of belts. Just be sure to have a few pieces for formal occasions and for casual wear.

Eyewear

I?m a collector of shades. I prefer Oakley. I think it?s the most popular brand for today?s generation. It?s built for extreme sports. My oldest pair, which I bought when I was still a college freshman, is the same model that Tom Cruise used in ?Mission Impossible 2.? Shades, just like watches, have what you call limited edition models. These are items which Oakley has long stopped producing. I have a couple of them. I also own a couple of Ray-Bans (Aviators and Wayfearers). They?re must-haves.

Sports gears

For board shorts, I prefer Billabong, Quick Silver and Rip Curl.
I own a couple of rowing paddles, but I have a favorite. It?s very light and is made from carbon fiber.

Bag

For me, The North Face is the best brand for extreme sports. I brought this bag to Thailand for ?Survivor.? It?s water-proof. While in the water, you can even use it as a lifesaver.

DVDs

I?ve been collecting DVDs for almost five years now. I?m a fan of sci-fi movies. ?Ironman? is my current favorite. My favorite love movie is ?Noting Hill.? I like the idea that someone as big a star as Julia Roberts could fall in love with a simple guy.

Email mcruz@inquirer.com.ph