I also live in the tropics.. And boy, its really hot... Supposedly, there should be a typhoon today.. ??? I just wonder where it went..?

Anyway, I wear bright colored jerseys (yellow, white) in really hot days. Jerseys w/ a full zipper does help a lot when your climbing.. But I just wear regular jerseys with zippers on the chest. I usually go with the cheaper jerseys ($10~$18) and cheap shorts($15-$20). They work fine... True, the izumis look great, but its all the same..

I also wear a bandana under my helmet, it prevents sweat getting in my eyes.. It can get that hot. On really steep, long hills, I remove my helmet.. I just strap it on my handlebar (ok, this is not a helmet thread.. and its really hot!).

I plan my rides.. I avoid riding between 12pm~2pm. That's the hotest part of the day. Just remember to bring lots of water..