Redditor Calls Out Brother And SIL For Being Always Late On Family Events, Blasts Theirs "Filipino Time" Excuse

"I couldn’t help myself and blurted out 'this ain’t the Philippines.'"

Sophia

• Published in Interesting
• January 14, 2024

"Filipino Time" is a phrase often used in the Philippines, symbolizing a relaxed attitude towards punctuality. It's common for Filipinos to arrive late to events, reflecting a cultural view of time that's more laid-back compared to other parts of the world where punctuality is key.

This cultural habit, while endearing in some contexts, can clash with the expectations of timely behavior, leading to frustrations, especially in settings where schedules matter.

This cultural quirk is perfectly captured in a Reddit story about a family Christmas gathering. Each year, the family plans to start the festivities at 10 AM.

Yet, OP's brother and his wife consistently show up around noon, throwing off the day's schedule. The family's matriarch, hoping to counter this, starts setting earlier meet-up times, but to no avail.

OP, frustrated, finally confronts the sister-in-law who, arriving late again, laughs it off as "Filipino time". This leads to an awkward moment, highlighting the tension between different cultural attitudes towards time.

This story is a classic example of how cultural norms can lead to misunderstandings. In the Philippines, being late might be brushed off casually, but in situations where timing is important, it can be seen as disrespectful.

It's a lesson in cultural sensitivity—understanding and adapting to different views on time can prevent conflicts and show respect for others' expectations.

Just take a look at what happened here...

OP's brother and sister-in-law have a habit of being consistently tardy, with their lateness extending beyond a few minutes to hours.

Family gathers at parents' for Christmas, crucial to be on time due to mom's cooking schedule and time-consuming gift opening.

Annual meet-up at 10 am, but brother and wife always arrive around 12 pm. Mom shifts times earlier to prompt punctuality; complaining is discouraged.

Sister-in-law arrived two hours late, citing "Filipino time." A comment, "this ain't the Philippines," upset mom post-event.

Scroll down to see what people had to say...

Even ADHD has a punctual twin called 'Setting alarms.' Time management is a universal skill, not an exclusive privilege!

Tired of waiting for the tardy circus? Time to address the elephant and let the clock be the ringmaster!

In their world, time might be a suggestion, but in theirs, the event has already started without them.

The secret to punctuality: Start serving without the latecomers, and watch miracles happen!

Lesson learned: Time flies, but not as fast as a friend with no concept of punctuality.

Pregnant and punctual—the only rudeness here is expecting a feast to wait for the tardy trio!

Because waiting for presents is one thing, but waiting for the tardy is a Christmas miracle.

When dealing with the chronically late, time-traveling start times are the key to punctuality.

Waiting for them is like waiting for a sequel to 'Never on Time: The Movie.' Spoiler alert: It's never coming.

Explaining 'Filipino Time': It's not a clock, it's more of a cultural suggestion, like a time-traveling potluck.

Even time has its boundaries, and some tardiness is just a eulogy for common courtesy.

Some people are on 'Me Time,' but the clock insists it's 'Our Time.' Can't stand that kind of 'time' travel!

Even turkeys set alarms for their appointed roast time. It's all about respecting the clock, ADHD or not!

Latecomers: Masters of the art of 'fashionably imposing inconvenience.' Time for a reality check!

Pointing out disrespect is like holding up a mirror, sometimes it just reflects the inconvenient truth!

Late again? Must be running on 'Fashionably Tardy' time. What's today's excuse for the time-travel act?

Latecomers are like wizards, always making everyone else wait for their magical entrance. Time for an early spell check!

While "Filipino Time" adds charm to laid-back gatherings, at a punctual Christmas party, it's as out of place as a snowman in Manila. Sometimes, the best gift we can give is being there when the clock strikes.

Comment down your thoughts, or share this article for all your family and friends to see!

Sophia