Current Time in Angeles
Philippine culture regarding time
Philippine culture regarding time
The concept of "Philippine time"
It is common in the Philippines to be late for appointments, and there is a phenomenon called "Philippine time". Being late for a few minutes to an hour is not uncommon, and is tolerated, especially in private situations.
Flexible sense of schedule
Changes and delays in plans occur relatively often in business as well. There is a culture that operates on the assumption that things will not go according to schedule, and it is common to be flexible in responding to sudden adjustments.
Gatherings are "about this time"
At parties and gatherings, it is normal to gather 30 minutes to an hour after the time written on the invitation, and arriving on time may be considered too early.
Philippine values regarding time
Human relationships take priority
There is a tendency to place more importance on "relationships with people" than on time. Sometimes a conversation with someone can drag on and make you late, and that delay is not necessarily considered rude.
Spend your time leisurely by not strictly managing it
A timeless lifestyle is supported by the value of reducing stress and creating relaxed relationships. Many people believe that "spending time at a leisurely pace" is directly linked to happiness.
The gradual trend toward punctuality in business
In urban areas and foreign-affiliated companies, awareness of "keeping to time" is increasing, and punctuality is increasingly required, especially for meetings and deadlines.
Things about time that foreigners should know when traveling or moving to the Philippines
Assume you will be late for an appointment
When meeting with a local person, assume that you will be 15 to 30 minutes late from the appointed time to reduce stress. It is safe to make sure that you have urgent matters in advance.
Public transport times are not very reliable
Transportation such as buses and jeepneys often do not follow timetables, so it is difficult to predict the time you will arrive at your destination. Be sure to plan your trip with plenty of time.
People tend to be early risers
In urban areas, many people go to work before 6am, and there is a culture of getting up early because of heavy morning traffic. On the other hand, many people tend to stay home early in the evening.
Interesting trivia about Philippine time
Is it normal for weddings to be two hours late?
At Philippine weddings, the bride and groom may appear one to two hours later than scheduled, and yet no one gets angry and the wedding proceeds in a peaceful atmosphere.
Variety shows have a free sense of time
Television shows do not always have strict broadcast times, so it is common for them to be 5 to 10 minutes late or to last longer than expected. This is what is known as the "Filipino way of being."
Church mass also proceeds slowly
In the Philippines, where there are many Catholics, Sunday mass is an important custom, but the start and end times often do not go as scheduled, and believers accept this as normal.