Time in the Lives of the Filipinos: A Qualitative Research on the Concept of Time of Filipinos

Abstract

study aimed to develop a comprehensive definition of time in the context of Filipino society and culture. Specifically, it intended to: (1) define the concept of time of Filipinos in terms of Filipino values related to it; (2) differentiate the notion of time among different age groups, gender and linguistic group divisions of Filipinos; and (3) identify factors (psychological, social and cultural) that may influence the occurrence of Filipino time. Focus group discussions were conducted to gather data from 112 Filipino males and females who were bom and are currently residing in one of the four major areas in Luzon, and who fall under one of the four life stages categorized as: Adolescence (12-18 years old), Young Adulthood (19-40 years old), Middle Adulthood (41-60 years old) and Late Adulthood (61 years old and above). During data analysis, responses were coded into major clusters (concept of time of Filipinos, Filipino values related to time, Filipino time and factors influencing its occurrence). Content analysis was conducted to highlight recurring themes and patterns in the coded data. The analysis of data revealed the following conclusions: (1) time is highly valuable for Filipinos in managing their daily activities; (2) time is valued by industrious people while people who are lazy, lacks discipline and practice manana habit and bahala factors contrasting the notion of time among age groups, gender and linguistic groups, respectively; (4) urban and rural dwellers differentiate time in urban and rural areas based na attitude neglect value of time; (3) priorities, societal roles and nature of work are the on pace of time, its importance, lifestyle, availability of leisure activities and (5) way of thinking or maturity in dealing with time, imitation of time practices of influential social actors and taking into consideration family ties and importance of resting and leisure in the well being of a person reflects the psychological, social and cultural influences in the occurrence of the Filipino time phenomenon, respectively.