Kiko’s charms

TV host and reality-show star Kiko Rustia’s prized possession is his journal. “It’s the one thing I can’t live without,” Kiko tells Living Stars.

He explains: “It’s not just a regular journal. It’s my gift to a special someone, who, as fate would have it, can’t be with me right now. She’s in a different country. The journal is a day-to-day [conversation] with her.”

Kiko refuses to reveal details about the lucky woman, except that she’s European and a university student. “We can’t be together because I have responsibilities here. I do my best to make the relationship work,” he says.

Life-changing

For Kiko, hosting GMA 7’s travel program, “Born to be Wild,” has been life-changing. “It allowed me to reach out to more people. It gave me the opportunity to continue my advocacy, environmental awareness and protection. It has given me a purpose.”

He cites some sacrifices he has to make to do the job well. “I can’t just jump on a plane and leave. Everything has to be planned ahead. It also takes me away from home and from my 10-year-old son. (Kiko and the boy’s mom have been estranged for years).”

But he says these become bearable, knowing that the program educates a lot of people. “Plus, I’m a sucker for beautiful scenery, beautiful sunsets. I’m extremely grateful to have experienced Tinuy-an Falls in Surigao del Sur, our version of Niagara Falls.”

Since he travels often, Kiko has two bags—a belt bag and a back pack—that are always packed with essentials. He reveals the contents to Living Stars.

Eyewear

I’m using my Spy shades right now. It’s from my best friend

in the United States. My favorite Oakleys got lost in Hawaii, when I went jet-skiing. It was kind of pricey, so I’m still mourning its loss.

Mementos

I met a mystic in Boracay a few years ago. She gave me this bag of charms that she said would keep me safe. But she warned me to never open it. I like in the thought that she gave me this so I’d be safe. I was touched.

My dad gave me a prayer book that I always have with me, just like this necklace I got last Christmas from my Chamorro tribe family in Guam. They’re islanders. They said that in the olden times, before the place got colonized, this shell served as legal tender.

I also have this lucky charm from a special someone. It used to be a necklace; now I keep the key pendant in my bag pocket. Another is this piece of porcelain that I found on a beach abroad. It turned out that a lot of Chinese vessels had sunk there before, and pieces of porcelain got washed ashore. I collected a bagful.

The necklaces, bracelets and ankles I’m wearing are all gifts from people who’ve had a positive impact on my life. They represent what I learned from those people. This may seem like a fashion statement, but for me it’s something spiritual.

The only piece  of jewelry I own is this Charriol bracelet from a girlfriend in 1999. It represents who I was then. The relationship lasted six years. This other bracelet is from someone I met in Zimbabwe. It’s mixed metal—bronze, copper and silver.

And this one was a teething ring of my niece in New York. When I was there for the Benetton photo shoot, I lived in the basement of my cousin’s house for a couple of weeks. When my niece first saw me, she was scared. For a while, I was the monster in the basement. She warmed up to me eventually.

I also have some mementos from fellow “Survivor” (reality show on GMA 7) contestants JC Tiuseco, Jace Flores and Cris Cartagenas.

This stuffed toy monkey is a gift from my sister. He’s also named Kiko. He has explored a lot of caves and crossed many oceans with me.

Gadgets

I always have a USB set. I used to bring my small Netbook everywhere. This was until I got my iPhone, which gives me easy access to the Net without the bulk. I’m still looking for a waterproof casing for it. I like that it allows me to be always connected. I constantly check my Facebook page even when I’m on the field.

I always carry this water-proof flashlight, as well as my underwater camera, an Olympus 8010. I bought a waterproof casing for it because it can go under water only down to 33 feet. I go down to almost 100 feet when I dive. I have an SLR with the same brand. Since it’s hard to bring a tripod everywhere, I use this Gorilla camera stand.

Cosmetics

I always carry Chapsticks lip balm. I’m addicted to mints and to Listerine vanilla flavor. On the field, you won’t always have time to brush your teeth.

I never leave without a bottle of alcohol or alcogel. I’m not  maarte, but sometimes, the crew and I eat on the field; it’s better if we have clean hands.

In my backpack’s right compartment are toiletries. I like Clinique Happy because it’s fruity and citrus-y, very light. I also like Aqua di Gio for its timeless scent. Cool Water by Davidoff is another favorite, though it gets acidic after a while.

Clothes

I have this water-resistant bikers jacket by Colombia.

It can handle light rain. I used this when we had to cross Babuyan Island to get to Aparri. The waves were so huge, at least I felt protected. I always bring extra socks. One of the worst experiences is to walk for hours with wet socks. It’s also useful on cold nights while you’re out camping.

I always bring this Headwear, a bandana with visor, with me. I can’t wear a hat because of my dreadlocks, so I use this.

First aid

I watch what I eat. I avoid oily food. I always have protein bars

in my bag, as back-up. I’m not sickly, but it’s best to be prepared. I always pack paracetamol, antiallergy pills and pain killers.

My mom gave me this manicure set, which I find very useful, especially the small scissors, tweezers and the nail file. I also have a Swiss knife that I bought in 1999 in a nondescript shop in Virra Mall.

Accessories

I collect Havaianas flip flops. I probably have 30 pairs now.

Book

I like reading “Wisdom of the Ancient,” compiled by Time Magazine. I’ve always been interested in ancient civilization.