Question 1

What is the meaning of Filipino Time?

Accepted Answer

The colonial definition of Filipino time is the habit of Filipino leaders to come late to assemblies and meetings. It was coined by the American colonizers who hated the self-important leaders during that time. It was a practice those leaders got from their former colonizers.

But this definition is the opposite of the everyday practice of Filipinos. As practiced by ordinary Filipinos then and now, the real meaning of Filipino time is that of the habit of preparing very early so that they get into a meeting or work ahead of time. Filipinos believe that time is gold.

Question 2

What does on time mean?

Accepted Answer

Being on time means that a person is at the agreed place on the agreed time. It means that the person is punctual. For many Filipinos, being on time may mean that they need to be at the meeting place ahead of time. That is because it is often the case that the traffic situations in Metro Manila are often unpredictable.

For example, when I was still attending the meetings of the Metro Manila Toastmasters Club, members arrive at the Sulo Hotel before 6:30 in the evening. Our meeting starts at 7:00 pm, and we always start on time. In a sense, we always arrive ahead of time so we can start on time.

Question 3

What is the opposite of punctuality?

Accepted Answer

The opposite of punctuality is that of being late, tardy, or delayed. That means that an event started minutes or hours after the agreed time.

It has always been the case that most Filipinos get into an event (say, high school graduation) two hours before the scheduled start of the program. Everyone is excited to start. However, events get delayed because a self-important politician chooses to come late.

Filipino time is being punctual. It even means being ahead of time. Self-important individuals often come late. They like to have a "grand entrance."

Question 4

How can we correct the lie about Filipino time?

Accepted Answer

To change the lie and stop the slander, we must deliberately change how we characterize our respect for time. People continue using the term without thinking. Instead of highlighting the few self-important individuals, let us pay more attention to those Filipinos who come ahead of time so they can start on time. These are the characteristics shared by most Filipinos.

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