Today (December 18), between 8:00โ10:30 AM, Osaka Seikei
University and John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Molo), Inc. held the second season of their Joint Advanced English class, an over two hours of student-centered โVirtual Passportโ exchange timed with Iloiloโs holiday honoring Graciano Lopez Jaena.
This academic engagement, part of both universitiesโ 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, participantโcentered, problemโbased approach where students prepared imageโbased โVirtual Passportโ 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 JBLFMUโMolo 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 Philippinesโ ComingโofโAge 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 Lรณpez Jaena is fitting as a journalist, writer, orator, and reformist who used crossโcultural dialogue to advance reform during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, Lรณpez Jaena championed communication and global citizenship. Todayโs 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.
Caption by Louise May Lim of JBLFMU-Moloโs International Relations Office
