In this feature celebrating the enduring relationship between the Philippines and Japan, no story about Japan would be complete without spotlighting Toyota—a brand that is quintes­sentially Japanese and has left an indelible mark on the world.

In the Philippines, this connec­tion is personified by Richmond So, a passionate curator of Toyota’s legacy and the driving force behind R Garage, Southeast Asia’s only Toyota car museum.

Richmond’s love affair with Toyota exemplifies how the Philippines-Japan relationship transcends business and diploma­cy, extending into culture, passion projects, and personal journeys. From his family’s Toyota dealer­ships in the Ilocos region to the vibrant surfside town of La Union, where he first took on a manage­ment role, Richmond’s journey mirrors the broader story of how Japanese innovation has become deeply woven into Filipino life.

Through R Garage, Rich­mond has built more than just a museum—it’s a celebration of Toyota’s legacy and a testament to the cultural exchange that inspires a deeper appreciation for Japanese ingenuity and its impact on Filipi­no society. This interview offers a closer look at Richmond’s passion for Toyota cars, the story of his incredible collection, and how his efforts are preserving the heritage of one of Japan’s most iconic brands for generations to come.

A Family Legacy: Could you share the story of how your father’s connection with Toyota began and how it influ­enced your own passion for the brand?

My father, Rene So, chairman of R Garage, developed a deep understanding of automobiles while working in our family’s auto supply shop as a student. This passion led him to pursue a Toyota dealership in Pangasinan in 1989, a pivot­al time for the brand’s resurgence in the Philippines under GT Capital. After a four-year wait, he and his cousin were granted the dealership, marking the beginning of our family’s journey with Toyota. Today, we operate five dealerships across Ilocos and the Cordillera Administrative Region.

Initially, my involvement in the business felt more like a job than a passion. Coming from a background in telecommunications, I joined the team as General Manager of our La Union dealership. However, as I delved deeper into the world of Toyota, my perspective shifted dramatically.

Learning about Toyota’s pioneering manufacturing processes, its rich history, and its global impact, coupled with regu­lar visits to Japan for events like the Tokyo Motor Show (now Japan Mobility Show) and visits to historical and classic Toyota museums, ignited a deep appreciation for the brand within me. What began as a business obligation transformed into a genuine passion for all things Toyota.

The Spark Ignition: What was the defining moment that ignited your love for Toyota and led to the creation of R Garage?

The defining moment was when I discovered the historical significance and global impact of Toyota. My passion for the brand deepened to the point that I made a personal commitment never to own or drive a car that wasn’t a Toyota.

This passion led me to consider purchasing classic Toyota cars to share their rich history with others. However, I set a condition for myself: I needed to first acquire and restore two specific vehicles—the AE86 Trueno (from Initial D) and the A80 Supra (from The Fast and the Furious). These cars were considered incredibly rare, especially in the Phil­ippines, where they were never sold as retail models.

In what felt like destiny, I managed to acquire both the AE86 Trueno and the A80 Supra in March and May of 2017. This marked the beginning of my journey in purchasing, restoring, and rebuilding classic and modern Toyota cars. Over the past seven years, what began with two cars has grown into a collection of over 100 models and generations of Toyota vehicles.

The greatest challenge has been sourcing and acquiring these vehicles, as many in the collection were never offi­cially sold in the Philippines. Despite this, the journey has been a deeply rewarding experience in celebrating and preserving Toyota’s legacy.