Filipino time

Why do you never ask a Filipino to do something by the end of the week? He might think you’re being pushy. That’s an exaggeration of course, but beyond the cities, the old joke still resonates for longtime residents of the Philippines.

In recent years, perhaps due to the number of young Filipinos returning home after an overseas education, the attitude towards punctuality has begun to change. For medical or work-related appointments you’ll need to be on time, but for social gatherings turn up half an hour late: it is considered impolite to be on time for a party, for instance, simply because it makes you look like a glutton who wants to grab the food.

The speed of service in restaurants in the Philippines has also improved, but you should still expect your patience to occasionally be tested. Although the pace of service at restaurants in the Philippines has increased, occasionally you should still be prepared to have your patience tried.