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Filipino Time
This term refers to a trait wherein tardiness is expected from Filipinos. Different cultures are bound to varying definitions of punctuality, hence, the coining of terms such as Filipino Time, African Time, etc. The phenomenon of 'Filipino Time' is used to excuse latecomers, may it be in minutes or hours. Though, it is often nuanced as laziness, it isn't. It is much rather explained through Filipinos' relaxed perception of time. The acceptance of this term is what made the practice persist through the years, to even being considered part of our culture or trait as a nation.

History According to a sociology and political science professor named Dr. Louie Benedict Ignacio, this phenomenon dates to the Spanish colonization of the Philippines from 1521 to 1898. Tardiness was used to be considered as a means of one's displaying social status. This is only a working theory, one of many in fact. Some recount the origin of 'Filipino Time' to the concept of 'siestas' or mid-day napping, again, during the Spanish colonial period.

Filipino Time in Literature This habitual tardiness was often written about in articles, history books, and such. One of its first mentions throughout history was in Jose Rizal's "El Filibusterismo". In this novel, chapter 22 to be exact, the author wrote a scene wherein a couple enters a theater full of people evidently late. This is primarily where some theorists began to assume their theory that tardiness was a status symbol back in the day. Therefore, this proves not to originate purely as a habit but was rather means of manipulating the social classes and the Philippine society in general.

According to an essay written by Fr. Miguel Bernad, the term was first used by the Americans during the 1900's purely out of annoyance with regards to Filipinos' lack of punctuality.

Filipino Time in the Government Filipino time is, again, evident in almost all Filipinos. Therefore, it does not exempt our government officials like the infamous tardiness of President Quirino back in the 1950's wherein he was supposed to accept an honorary doctorate from the Fordham University at 2:00pm and arrived at 4:00pm. The Americans took this as an insult, with most of the press and audiences having left the venue prior his arrival. Again, the occurrence of this trait outside the Philippines is and would always be negatively received, where punctuality is taken more seriously.

Filipino Time in the Modern World As mentioned previously, the use of the 'Filipino Time' has persisted through the years and is still evident until today. It is seen throughout our daily interactions, and are evidently established within our systems. For example, in our education system i.e. Philippine universities having 'grace periods' for each class to provide students a few minutes allowance before the class officially begins. Though this is an evidently negative habit or trait to possess, its end does not seem to be nowhere near in sight.