An idea sparked over sake, a magazine born of vision, and a night honoring the Japan–Philippines connection. In an evening that effortlessly encapsulated elegance and warmth, Bridges Magazine launched its inaugural print edition at Hotel Okura Manila’s upscale Yawaragi restaurant. The event marked the culmination of a vision over four years in the making, reflecting not just a print publication’s birth but the celebration of deep cultural connections. The venue itself—Yawaragi’s serene yet stylish ambiance, set off by striking Japanese design elements and impeccable Filipino hospitality—provided a sophisticated backdrop to two nations’ shared sensibilities.
Guests sipped premium sake, Japanese whisky cocktails, and artisanal brews. They sampled creatively crafted Japanese-inspired canapés from the restaurant’s masterful kitchen and indulged in curated chocolate pairings. The atmosphere was innovative, inviting, and imbued with a refinement that perfectly mirrored Bridges’ ethos: a magazine that honors tradition while looking confidently toward the future.
“Tonight we shine a spotlight on the rich, dynamic relationship between Japan and the Philippines—and the stories that bridge these two nations,” said Bridges Asia Editor Marco Lobregat, opening the event with an invitation to celebrate the power of connection.
From a bar in Shinjuku to the stage of global Ambition
The journey of Bridges began not in a newsroom—but in a small bar in Shinjuku, Tokyo. It was there, in 2010, that colleagues and friends Franz J. Fricke and Phil Demack first sketched out what would eventually become Synergy Media Specialists (SMS). “Synergy Media Specialists—the company behind Bridges—was first conceptualized, like many good ideas, over beers and sake in a small bar in Shinjuku back in 2010,” recalled Editor-in-Chief and founding publisher Fricke.
Over the years, SMS carved a unique space in publishing, spotlighting bilateral collaborations and regional partnerships—particularly between Japan and the rest of Asia. And, later on, across the globe. As the world changed, so did SMS. In 2021, in the midst of the pandemic, the company expanded its vision by launching Bridges online—a platform that fused their established business and diplomatic reportage with a fresh, lifestyle-oriented perspective centered on shared human experience. This expansion allowed Bridges to capture the multifaceted nature of cross-border collaboration, from culture and fashion to food and sport, making it a truly aspirational publication.
We wanted to create a magazine that wasn’t just informative but aspirational.
Franz J. Fricke, Editor-in-Chief of Bridges Magazine
The concept behind Bridges slowly but surely came into sharper focus. “We wanted to create a magazine that wasn’t just informative but aspirational,” said Fricke. “A platform that celebrates collaboration—between countries, companies, cultures, and people. From trade to food, fashion to anime—we wanted to explore what happens when different worlds come together to create something remarkable.”
That vision—now realized in greater measure in Bridges’ first-ever print edition—reflects both evolution and return. “We wanted to slow things down,” Fricke continued. “To bring back something tangible and a little nostalgic. A magazine you can actually hold, flip through—not swipe left on.
A fireside chat traversing cultural crossroads
A highlight of the inaugural evening was a fireside chat moderated by Fricke himself. This intimate conversation delved into the nuances of cross-cultural collaboration, spotlighting the diverse ways the Japan–Philippines relationship manifests beyond politics and economics.
Panelists included:
- Richard Osmond, chairman of the Philippines-Japan Economic Cooperation Committee, a key figure linking Japanese investors to Philippine industrial innovation.
- Chef Yuichi Ito, co-founder of Crosta Pizza, blending Japanese culinary precision with Filipino creativity.
- Cynthia Carrion-Norton, whose leadership in gymnastics has bridged international coaching expertise to nurture Filipino talent.
- Carlos Edriel Yulo, two-time Olympic gold medalist and living testament to mentorship and cultural exchange.
- Francis Hasegawa, co-founder of LIT BAR, representing Japanese craft cocktail culture in Manila’s nightlife scene.
Their shared insights painted a vivid picture of how collaboration is built through trust, innovation, and shared values—whether in the boardroom, at the stadium, or behind the bar and kitchen counters.
A celebratory evening of connection—and collaboration
Event partners showcasing their products at the Immersive Experience Zones.
The carefully curated atmosphere of the launch went beyond conversations and awards. Guests were treated to sensory experiences that embodied the magazine’s spirit of cultural fusion: from premium sake and artisanal chocolates by Philippine Wine Merchants (PWM) and Auro Chocolate, to Japanese-inspired delicacies from Yawaragi restaurant itself. As the country’s foremost distributor of wines and spirits, PWM is also one of the most passionate advocates for sake culture in the Philippines. In fact, the connection between Bridges magazine and PWM was first forged at Sake Manila 2024, laying the groundwork for continued collaboration. Auro Chocolate, with its international reputation for excellence and ethical craft, presented selections that aligned with the Japanese market’s appreciation for quality and precision. Complementing these were artisanal brews by Stanford Shaw and Engkanto, refreshing palates with locally crafted sodas and small-batch beverages. The event also proudly featured Pure Culture, an organic, Philippine-made skincare brand that marries the purity and simplicity emblematic of Japanese beauty sensibilities with Filipino craftsmanship—a true beauty bridge between the two cultures.
Guests enjoying the Immersive Experience Zones.
Among the many unforgettable moments was the award presentation to Voltes V: Legacy director Mark A. Reyes by Bridges Creative Director and lifelong Voltes V superfan, Benj Rivera, capped by the iconic Voltes V theme song echoing through the dining space. The program ended on a high note as all the awardees—captains of industry, diplomats, and cultural leaders—volted in together, creating a memorable, lively finale that epitomized the spirit of connection and celebration.
Honoring the champions of cross-cultural confluence
Central to the night was the recognition of the Bridge Builder Laureates—ten luminaries whose work embodies and enhances the Japan–Philippines relationship across diplomacy, business, sports, and culture.
The honorees included:
- Richmond So, CEO of R Garage, preserving Toyota’s legacy with the largest collection outside Japan.
- H.E. Mylene J. Garcia-Albano, Philippine Ambassador to Japan, advancing strategic partnerships focused on sustainability and empowerment.
- Takashi Baba, Chief Representative of JICA Philippines, whose leadership drives essential infrastructure and human development projects.
- Kazuo Nakamura, Director General of JETRO Manila, shaping trade relations and investment flow.
- Richard Osmond, connecting Japanese capital with Philippine innovation zones.
- Francis Laurel, continuing a family legacy of bilateral cultural and diplomatic work.
- Cynthia Carrion-Norton, reshaping Philippine gymnastics through cross-border mentorship.
- Carlos Edriel Yulo, a two-time Olympic champion whose achievements reflect the power of international coaching collaboration.
- Helen Yuchengco Dee, sustaining decades-long partnerships in finance, education, and energy sectors.
- Mark A. Reyes, whose creative reboot of Voltes V bridged generations and cultures.
“These stories show what can happen when people from different places work together and dream big,” Fricke remarked. “They’re about trust, mentorship, legacy—and connection.”
Words that beautifully bridge (and bind) borders
Managing Editor and founding publisher Phil Demack reflected on the broader mission: “Looking at the world today—strong bonds and close ties between countries need continued support: government, corporations, groups, and individuals. Bridges aims to strengthen global relationships.” He emphasized the significance of starting in Manila with the Philippines: “Next, we will take Bridges across Asia, Europe, the Americas, rest of the world. Go Global!”
Indeed, the launch of Bridges print edition was more than a highly anticipated milestone—it was a promise to continue building connections that transcend geography and industry. With a unique blend of business insight, cultural storytelling, and lifestyle content, Bridges is positioned as a dynamic platform for global dialogue, innovation, and friendship.
As guests enjoyed the final moments of the evening, they left not only with a copy of the magazine in hand but with a shared sense of belonging to a growing community committed to building bridges—one story, one collaboration, one intercultural connection at a time.
