Filipino Time
Our next theme day for the Travel and Culture Channel is all about time. I had to smile when I thought of Filipino time. We all know the concept of Filipino time, right? 
Filipino time is in its own time zone altogether. It seems to be defined as sometime between 27 minutes after the traffic jam at the nearest intersection eases off and 30 seconds before the person you’re meeting decides to go home. I have a few true stories that I think describe Filipino time just perfectly. Names have been changed to protect the innocent!
Story 1: A few friends are gathered for a party, which was set at 6:00. Juan calls at around that time, and asks “Sino nang nandiyan?” (Who’s already there?). “Oh, so-and-so, and this person and that”, says the host. “OK, says Juan, “Maliligo na ako. Punta na ako diyan.” (I’m going to take a shower now. I’ll be there soon).
Story 2: Some relatives are meeting for lunch at a restaurant. Couple A are there at 12:00. Other people start trickling in at 12:15. They start eating at 1:00, when most are present. Juan ambles in at 2:30 p.m., completely non-plussed at being late, as if lunch for him was normally at 3:00.
Story 3: A holiday ball was scheduled to begin at 7:00. Juan doesn’t know the way there, so he has to pass by a friend’s house so he can follow his friend in his car. His friend has promised (threatened?) to leave at 6:30, Juan or no Juan. Juan arrives at 6:25.
Story 4: A baby shower began at 12:00 and included lunch. Guests enjoy the food, and shower the expecting couple with gifts and advice. The couple open the gifts and express their thanks. The guests start to think of leaving at 3:00. Juana arrives at 3:05.
Story 5: One Christmas season, a group of carolers gathered to sing at the house of an American couple. They have sent a letter to the couple saying they’ll be there between 7:00 and 7:30. They arrive at 6:55, conscious that this is not a Filipino home, so they shouldn’t be late. The couple are in the middle of dinner with some guests. They were expecting the Filipino group to arrive later, because they know about Filipino time. The group sings Christmas songs for the couple and their guests, much like a dinner and a show (only they were the show!).
Story 6: A group of friends gather for a day’s outing. They set the departure time for 8:00. Couple A get up early and are there on time. Others start to arrive in trickles. The organizer gets there at 9:00. Couple A are annoyed because they could have slept for another hour, but for the early agreed-upon time.
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I’m sure you have stories to tell about Filipino time. You’re welcome to share right after you read this, or whenever you have the time!
Tags: Filipino time, Philippines, Filipino culture
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