About HLLS | Hikari Language Learning School

About Hikari (HLLS) School

The founder of Hikari Language Learning School, Guirly Chinen, is a licensed professional teacher in the Philippines with several years of experience in education and cultural engagement. Her background includes working with children through programs supported by the Department of Tourism on Iejima in Okinawa, where she developed valuable expertise in hosting, guiding, and supporting young learners in multicultural environments for more than 20 years.

With a strong passion for teaching and cross-cultural communication, she established Hikari Language Learning School to help Japanese-speaking children build confidence and develop effective English communication skills in a supportive, encouraging, and structured learning environment.

The name Hikari (光), meaning “light,” “radiance,” and “brilliance,” holds deep cultural significance in Japan. It symbolizes enlightenment, hope, and clarity—values associated with guidance, growth, and a bright future. This meaning closely aligns with the school’s mission and vision to inspire, guide, and illuminate each learner’s journey in English language education.

HLLS Vision:
To inspire Japanese learners of every generation and become a trusted learning community where English beginners gain the confidence to embrace global opportunities and connect meaningfully with the world through English.

HLLS Mission:
To empower Japanese-speaking learners of all ages—from children to adults—with the confidence and skills to communicate effectively in English through supportive, beginner-friendly instruction that respects and honors their language background and cultural perspective.

Our team

Hikari Language Learning School (HLLS) hires teachers with verified qualifications, proven teaching experience, and good track records, helping parents and students choose HLLS with confidence, comfort, and ease. Teacher’s background, certifications, teaching experience, and areas of expertise, making it simple to find the right match based on individual learning goals and preferences.

Our skilled team of English teachers brings engaging experience, cultural understanding, and a genuine passion for teaching. Every lesson is interactive, supportive, and student-focused, creating a comfortable learning environment where students can build confidence, improve steadily, and develop practical English communication skills for everyday use, study and community interaction.

Why choose us?

At Hikari (HLLS), we go beyond traditional English learning by creating a supportive, structured, and culturally aware environment designed specifically for Japanese and ESL (English as a Secondary Language) learners. Our experienced instructors provide personalized guidance, clear explanations, and practical lessons that build real-world communication skills with confidence. With a focus on student success, cultural understanding, and engaging learning experiences, we make your English journey both effective and enjoyable.

HLLS Advisor

Dr. Rustum D. Geonzon is a seasoned education professional with over 42 years of experience in the field of English language education. He currently serves as an Education Programs Supervisor specializing in English. His affiliation with the Department of Education is verified through his official email address, rustum.geonzon001@deped.gov.ph.

Dr. Geonzon’s areas of expertise include education policy, language program implementation, and curriculum development. In his role, he has contributed to the development and execution of policies related to language instruction in elementary education. He has also been actively involved in evaluating the effectiveness of key programs such as Mother Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) and Early Language, Literacy, and Numeracy (ELLN). Additionally, his extensive experience has enabled him to play a significant role in shaping and refining the English language curriculum for elementary learners.