Correction! Filipino Time is Always On Time

I have to admit. I automatically switch to "debate mode" when someone dubs "late" as "Filipino time." First of all if you will all observe, "late" is a Western (American) concept. It is not a Filipino term, it is an American term. The concept roots in the American culture--not in our own culture. Notice that we do not say "huli ka na naman," when we refer to fellow who comes in late in a meeting, or who fails to meet the deadline. Instead, we say "late ka na naman."

But how come many of us refer being late as "Filipino time"? Because many of us have the mentality that American culture is better than our own Filipino culture. So any thing good is American, and anything bad is Filipino. That is what we call "colonial mentality."

And just the same, when it is a high-quality product, it is "imported" (from America or other countries)... But when the product is substandard, it is called "local." Some of my friends and relatives even equate the term "local" to "immitation," as in "locally made products" are "fake products." So sad...

And just look at our standard of beauty... beautiful is slim, fair-skinned, tall. And intelligent is often those who can speak their ideas in English... And when something is "in" in the States, it will automatically be the "in thing" for the social climbers... right?

People, we have to wake up. There are many things that we can be proud of as Filipino. Do not treat yourselves like slaves to other nations. The more you do, the more that other nations will look down on us, then the more they will take advantage of us. The more they will treat our OFWs as slaves. (Trivia: in a European country, the term "Filipina" is synonymous to "maid." Marangal na trabaho ang pagiging maid. But being a Filipino is being more than just a maid.)

Be proud you are a Filipino. Start by having the right perspective that "Filipino time" is always on time. Mabuhay ka, Pinoy!