You may have heard the phrase “Filipino Time” tossed around in casual conversations, often with a smirk or an eye roll. It’s a well-known cultural concept in the Philippines. It suggests a somewhat flexible approach to time, particularly when it comes to social gatherings.
But how does this idea hold up in a professional setting, particularly when Filipino professionals collaborate with international teams in high-performance industries such as technology?
Let’s unpack what “Filipino Time” really means, the cultural roots behind it, and, most importantly, why it does not define how Filipino developers and professionals operate in the workplace.
We’ll also explore how international employers can gently support time-conscious habits and spot issues early, without jumping to conclusions.
What Is “Filipino Time”?
“Filipino Time” refers to the cultural habit of arriving later than the scheduled time, often 15 minutes to an hour late, for social events, family gatherings, and sometimes even informal meetings. It’s not considered rude within the context of casual Filipino culture, but rather a shared understanding that time is a bit more elastic than rigid.
While it’s often joked about, it’s also deeply rooted in Filipino values: prioritizing relationships over rigidity, hospitality over haste, and flexibility over strict schedules.
But does that mean Filipinos are habitually late in every setting?
Not at all.
Why Does “Filipino Time” Happen?
Understanding “Filipino Time” requires a brief exploration of Filipino culture. Here are some underlying reasons why the concept exists:
1. Traffic and Infrastructure Realities
Metro Manila and other cities are notorious for unpredictable traffic. Over time, people began to assume that a late arrival is expected, and this became normalized.
2. Relationship-Oriented Culture
Filipinos prioritize relationships. Being late isn’t seen as a sign of disrespect but rather a non-issue if everyone agrees that connection and togetherness matter more than the clock.
3. Group Mentality
There’s a tendency in Filipino social settings to arrive when “everyone else is expected to be there.” No one wants to be the first person at a party or gathering, leading to a collective shift in “actual” start times.
When “Filipino Time” Doesn’t Apply Especially at Work
Here’s the part that often surprises foreign employers: Filipino professionals, especially in the tech and BPO sectors, are incredibly punctual, disciplined, and performance-driven. The concept of “Filipino Time” does not translate well into the workplace.
1. Strong Work Ethic
Filipino remote experts are renowned for their reliability, accountability, and commitment. Many are working with U.S. companies across time zones, meaning they often log in late at night or early in the morning in the Philippines to match your workday. That takes serious dedication.
2. Global Mindset
The modern Filipino developer or support professional is aware of global expectations. They understand that time is money and that punctuality fosters trust. Many have been trained in or have experience working in international corporate settings where timeliness is a non-negotiable requirement.
3. Overcompensating with Excellence
Because of the stigma surrounding “Filipino Time,” many professionals go out of their way to show they’re different. You’ll often find Filipino developers joining Zoom calls 5 minutes early, delivering work ahead of deadlines, and staying available during odd hours to accommodate team needs.
✅ Quick Fact: At CoDev, over 90% of our developers are early to daily standups and hit or exceed sprint deadlines regularly.
What If It Does Happen? How Employers Can Gently Course-Correct
While very rare, there are occasional instances where the influence of “Filipino Time” may manifest.
But with the right context and support, these behaviors can be addressed early and respectfully.
Here’s how employers can spot and support:
1. Watch for Patterns, Not One-Offs
A single late log-in might be due to power outages (common in some areas), internet issues, or personal emergencies. But if you see a pattern of delays, that’s a signal to engage.
2. Set Clear Expectations Early
During onboarding, establish clear and consistent standards for punctuality, deadlines, and communication. This isn’t just about being strict—it’s about setting your remote team up to succeed within your culture.
✅ Pro tip: At CoDev, we help clients co-create shared schedules and meeting norms that align with U.S. time zones and work styles.
3. Check in With Curiosity, Not Criticism
If you notice late log-ins or missed deadlines, approach the conversation from a place of support.
Try:
“Hey, I’ve noticed a couple of delays. How’s your schedule working out? Is there anything we can do to help keep things running smoother?”
This opens the door to discuss time management or address external issues (power, internet, etc.) without blame.
4. Reinforce Trust Through Feedback
When your remote team members do show up on time and deliver reliably (which they usually do!), acknowledge it. Positive feedback builds accountability and strengthens the team’s professional identity.
5. Lean on Partners Like CoDev
At CoDev, we don’t just hand you a developer and walk away. Our Team Success Managers work with you and your developer to reinforce time discipline, track performance, and address any issues before they become problems.
Why You Shouldn’t Let the Stereotype Hold You Back
“Filipino Time” might be an ongoing cultural meme, but when it comes to business, Filipino professionals are among the most dependable and consistent remote workers you can hire.
When supported by the right systems, respectful communication, and culturally aware feedback, you’ll find that time zone alignment, punctuality, and productivity are no longer issues.
At CoDev, We Build Teams That Show Up
We’ve spent over 15 years building high-performing remote teams for U.S. companies, utilizing developers, designers, SDRs, and other experts from the Philippines who consistently exceed expectations.
We don’t just match resumes; we also match work styles, time zones, and communication preferences.
If you want a partner who helps you build a remote team that’s on time, on track, and on fire, we’re here to help.
Ready to Meet Your Next Developer Who Shows Up Before You Do?
Let us introduce you to a skilled and dedicated remote expert who will be ready on time and fully prepared to help scale your product or team.
Book your free strategy session with CoDev today. No pressure, just real answers, great developers, and zero missed meetings.
