𝐎𝐒𝐔 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐉𝐁𝐋𝐅𝐌𝐔‑𝐌𝐨𝐥𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 “𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭” 𝐂𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬‑𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐥𝐨𝐢𝐥𝐨 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲

This academic engagement, part of both universities’ ongoing international relations and global education efforts, sought to foster warm connections, celebrate cultural diversity, and promote respectful English dialogue. Specifically, the joint class aimed to build friendships, exchange cultural insights, deepen global citizenship, recognize commonalities and differences, and encourage collaboration among peers. Continuing the partnership begun last year, the session used a relaxed, participant‑centered, problem‑based approach where students prepared image‑based “Virtual Passport” slides featuring their name, hometown, program, community role, a unique cultural tradition, and a place they hope to visit. Each brief presentation was followed by lively peer Q&A and thoughtful facilitator moderation.

A total of 29 participants joined from JBLFMU‑Molo representing the four academic programs: BS Marine Engineering, BS Customs Administration, BS Cruise Ship Management, and BS Tourism Management, 10 of whom presented their virtual passports, while nine Global Tourism Management students from Osaka Seikei University were among 15 OSU participants who presented.

Faculty facilitators Dr. Louise May Lim, Dr. Joseph Ring, and 3/E Allan Roberto led the session and were supported by JBLFMU-Molo professors Ms. Weezie Kay Manucan, Mr. Trix Tusan, Ms. Irish Subibe, Ms. Carla Quezon, and Ms. Clea Ferrer.

Moments of genuine connection made today's international engagement memorable comparing Japan and Philippines’ Coming‑of‑Age ceremony, food culture, shared family stories on customs and local traditions that drew smiles and curiosity across screens. The exchange closed with mutual gratitude to participants and institutional support received for sustaining this meaningful collaboration.

Linking the Virtual Passport exchange to Graciano López Jaena is fitting as a journalist, writer, orator, and reformist who used cross‑cultural dialogue to advance reform during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, López Jaena championed communication and global citizenship. Today’s joint class echoed his legacy where students used English to share stories, build understanding, and practice respectful intercultural dialogue, demonstrating how conversation and storytelling still foster empathy, solidarity, and peaceful change in the contemporary world.