Case Study : Filipino Time

Filipino Time: For always?

( Why do Filipinos are always LATE? )

I. Statement of the Problem

It is an invariable joke among any Filipino organizing an event that it is wise to state the commencement of that particular event half an hour to an hour earlier than the actual time intended. Filipino Time, you know. It is a well known fact and an exasperating subject most Filipino Americans have taken with resignation.

 "Filipino Time" is the coined phrase for the embarrassing affliction of tardiness among Filipinos. It is curious and mind boggling how the general population of a certain nation could possibly be chronically late. And yet, it has been tried and tested to be true to this very day. Try having a party with the invitation stating an arrival time of 4 pm, and people will start trickling in at 5 or 6 pm.

Filipino time is such a phenomenon that it made enough of an impression. The practice is so widespread which others say that PAL (Philippines Airlines} means “Plane Always Late” or “Pinoy (Filipino) Always Late”.

Filipino Time is a term linked to Filipinos because of their being late habits. This term describes how Filipinos are usually late. For example, when a meeting is supposed to start at exactly 9:00 am, the usual Filipino would arrive later than 15 min. or more.

It’s hardly unfair to the Filipino to call this syndrome “Filipino Time”, since this seems to be a universal weakness of all people of whatever nationality. We have to admit, though, that we Filipinos have made a status symbol out of lateness.

II. Background of the Problem

Why are Filipinos generally late? It is contradictory for a people equally well known for their hospitality. It seems contrary for a group of people who would rather suffer rather than impose on any one's generosity. And in a country like the United States where punctuality is highly esteemed, Filipino Time sticks out like an eye sore.

The Philippine belongs to third world countries and noted as one of the rising countries in the world. The economy has been rising remarkably. Filipinos, social name for the people in the country are impressively becoming as competent as west. But there is something which went wrong about the natives. And it is the habit of being late.

The Philippines is a country where traffic is notorious. It takes literally hours to get from point A to point B. Over the years, the Filipinos have acquired an attitude that we will get there when we get there. This attitude has neatly settled into our psyche (I would say right beside the "What Will Be, Will Be or Bahala Na attitude) and has become a trait we translate into everyday action. A trait has acquired and will be passing down to future generation unless consciously do something about it.

The Filipinos are inherently self-effacing that they have unintentionally given new meaning to the term "fashionably late." No one wants the burden of being the first arrivals to be entertained by the hosts. We prefer to come at a time when we know there are already people and we could simply blend in.

 

III. Desired Criteria for Solving the Problem

Filipinos are not encouraged to look further than today, or even this very hour. What is encouraged is the laid back attitude bordering on apathy. In more recent years of democracy, the disease has still gone undiagnosed.

However, there is a logical and scientific explanation behind most things. Some sociology experts and psychologists are merely piecing together some general observations to explain this astounding phenomenon.

To set the record straight, Filipinos are not late because they are flagrantly inconsiderate or thoughtless. For the most part, we know what time we need to be there, the intention is to be there, but for some reason, we still get there 15 minutes late, half an hour late, even an hour late. Most of us will shrug it off. We were late and that was that. Very few will take a moment to step back and think there must be a root cause, some psychological reason why this is so.

 

IV. Alternative Solution under Consequences

Related Studies:

·         Daig ng maagap ang masipag speaks volumes of the time awareness of the early Filipinos. They value promptness. They see that it is not enough for one person to be industrious. He must wake up and work before the sun rises. Farmers and fisherfolks practice this until today.

·         According to Miss Sambulat, a secondary school teacher, To change our perspective about Filipinos, we need to have another set of eyes. Look for their flaws and you will find many. Find their strengths and it will not take you long to discover their beauty. Then you will understand why people from other countries decided to stay.

·         To the former President FVRamos, If you are a Filipino, you better give a new meaning to Filipino Time. One that you will be proud of. I can say the same if you are an American, Italian, Polish, German, Malaysian, etc. You will see the world the way you want to see it. You may need a new set of eyes. Because making the best use of time is an attitude.

·         Based on one social networking site, Filipinos and punctuality cannot be equated to each other. I guess we’re a more “happy-go-lucky” bunch. Not lazy, not uncaring either. Being there counts the most than not being there at all. Although being extremely late is definitely a no-no. And let me tell you, Filipinos aren’t the only ones that tend to be late.

·         Stephanie Anderson, being half-filipina myself (and with a haitian dad) i know the pains of being late to practically EVERYTHING… so if i wanna get anywhere on time, i tell my parents that it begins a good half hr to an hr earlier than it really is. But as for firing late filipinos… not all of them are late. its just a generalization that for the most part is true. tis a sad but funny truth.

·         Whenever I hear the notorious excuse or description ‘Filipino Time’, I feel a grave insult is hurled at my people, even if the generalization is usual uttered by fellow Filipinos themselves. The defensive rationalization us usually accompanied by a snicker or laughter, a demeanor that trivializes the serious of behavioral impropriety and rudeness. – Dr. Ramon De Los Santos Sr., M.D.

                                                                                                                

 

Interview

Date:                March 3, 2012

Interviewer:       Mico Rensob B. Amazona

Interviewee:      Mrs. Rowena Biscocho Sapaula

                        Filipino Subject Teacher, Fourth Year

                        Fernando Air Base National High School

1.       Do you think that “Filipino Time” is still in practice today?

-          Yes. More particularly in some of my students who came up late in my class.

2.       For you, what is the meaning of the “Filipino Time”?

-          My understanding about Filipino time is that it is when our fellows fail to attend on time.

3.       Based on your knowledge, what other countries do have this impression?

-          I’ve gone to Thailand and Taiwan already and based on my experience and stay there, they often practice the habit.

4.       What is your perception about “American Time”? How’s it compared to us?

-          Hmm, American time or western time means complying with the exact time, very sharp. Compared to Filipino Time, it contrasts.

5.       Do you believe that many a Filipino tries to change the connotation of the word “Filipino Time”?

-          Of course, definitely yes. Still many of us come or show up on time. That only shows that Filipino is no longer late.

Since the issue of Filipino time is being late habit. Here are some alternative solution under the consequence on how to avoid being late.

Give yourself enough time to get ready if you want to learn to be on time. You don’t want to rush because that will likely make you forget something. If you have an early appointment, prepare the night before by getting your clothes ready and making sure that everything you need, such as car keys and cell phone, is ready to go.

Don’t give yourself permission to be late by making excuses for it. You may think it’s just a few minutes, but tardiness is a habit that often gets worse, and minutes will grow. Therefore, take tardiness seriously and recognized that it is a bad habit that should be excused.

Allow ample time for your journey, Take into consideration the time of day that you will be traveling, and always add enough time for travel delays and other problems that could crop up, such as finding parking or getting lost if you are heading out to an unfamiliar destination.

Avoid overextending yourself by scheduling too many appointments around the same time. By doing this, you are setting yourself up to being late. If you do have more than meeting at a time, then make sure that you schedule enough time in between so that you can travel from one to another without rushing or risking being late.

Refrain from accepting invitations that you cannot realistically fit into your schedule. Not only will you be creating a stressful situation for yourself because you will be forced to follow through on the invite, but you will most likely be late and upset the person you are meeting. It’s better to decline the invitation and risk disappointing the person, than risking offending them by being late.

 

V. Choose from Alternative

It explains why most Filipinos are hardworking, excelling in many things but lacking in promptness. Punctuality is a symptom of high motivation and driven ambition. A lax attitude that has been encouraged for so long on a whole nation will never complement it.

To cure the Filipino’s culture of tardiness- or “Filipino Time” as it is commonly known- a senator has filed a bill that seeks to synchronize all time devices in the country to set a standard Philippine Time. Sen. Ed Angara said Senate Bill 3479 aims to breed a new culture of promptness among Filipinos.

This is a good way to start changing the meaning of ‘Filipino Time’ and shifting to a culture of punctuality. Time is a vital component of our social, legal, political and economic activities.

Under the Bill, all national and local government offices shall display the Philippine standard time (PST) on the their official time devices in accordance with the official time to be provided by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

The same goes for plazas, public monuments and museums, shops, railways and bus stations, schools and transportation terminals thus assuring citizens of proper scheduling of their activities and accuracy in their travel times.

 

VI. Justify Your Choice

What can we do about it? Awareness is the KEY. Intolerance of tardiness is another major step towards change. We cannot blame everything to Filipino Timeliness. It is also important to understand that for every step forward it will most likely be two steps backward. We just have to keep at it.

Filipino time is a major opportunity for improvement because if Filipinos actually showed up on time their productivity will soar and they will no longer be seen by the international community as the people who do not show up on time.

If you have built yourself a reputation for being late all the time, whether it is with your friends, business associates or clients, then you will soon see why much a trait can be detrimental to these relationships. At some point these random instances will become habit if don’t do anything to change your ways. Therefore, doing the best that you can to avoid being late should be your ultimate objective.

To God be the Glory!