Filipino Time is Always on Time

"Filipino Time is Always on Time" is a slogan you will sometimes see in government offices to counter the ingrained belief that Filipinos are always late as defined in some dictionaries like the Urban Dictionary.

This might have some truth in it.  I grew up hearing about Filipino time but I grew up with a strict father and I am very rarely late (only when there are emergencies or I just got lost) since I was in first grade.

To put some context into it, imagine living in Metro Manila - I can't anymore.  The metro has the densest population in the country and in the world.  Commuting in Metro Manila is a nightmare and to go from point A to B would take an hour at the minimum even if it is just about 5 kilometers away.  I believe we always try to be on time but there are just these hindrances and most of these are systemic and something we can't do something immediately about.  This is no alibi but you might ask, why not live near the place of work --- rents in the business districts are comparable or even higher than in Europe.  For a simple accommodation in Makati, 300Euros is already cheap.  To give you more context, a customer service representative earns an average of 370Euros a month* so they endure the four (4) hours or more commute to and from work each and every single work day!

And Mr. Jef Menguin shares:

"Filipino Time as the phrase connotes is not an attribute that all Filipinos practice and value. A little reading of Philippine history will show the opposite. Travel around the country, and you will find many Filipinos who value their time and respect yours."

Filipino time was something taught in my grade school.  I clearly remember how our teacher told us about the attitudes of a Filipino.  Practicing Filipino time is one of them in like with the Mañana Habit and taking Siestas which are something we got from the Spaniards.  Any spanish here?  How is meeting in Spain, do you come on time and if not, for how many hours later?

It is not innate with Filipinos to be always late but it is something that we are made to believe as one of our main charateristics.  Going back to grade school, the books we've used then taught us how awful Durian is.  It is the King of Fruits which is enjoyed by lots of South East Asians.  Most Filipinos hated it even if they have not even seen it but it was described as foul-smelling and with its creamy flesh it was always compared to poop.  I hope you are getting where I am going with this.

Let's try posting more "Filipino Time is Always on Time" to re-educate our people and set a good example to the next generations.

*50Php = 1Eur