Gary Valenciano
Gary Valenciano caught the attention of netizens after sharing on social media his sentiments on “Filipino time” — a phenomenon used to describe Filipinos who usually arrive late on certain engagements due to traffic or unpredictable weather.
Valenciano admitted that he feels bad about “Philippine time” as a way to describe someone who “simply doesn’t arrive on time,” as seen on his personal Twitter account on Sunday, Jan. 22.
“Friends? I feel bad when the term ‘Philippine time’ is mentioned and is used on a person who simply doesn’t arrive on time. Sad ‘no (right)? Guys? Even when traffic is bad… we can still find a way to arrive on time. Kaya natin ‘to (we can do this),” he said.
Friends? I feel bad when the term “Philippine time” is mentioned and is used on a person who simply doesn’t arrive on time. Sad no? Guys? Even when traffic is bad…we can still find a way to arrive on time. Kaya natin ‘to.
— GARY VALENCIANO (@GaryValenciano1) January 22, 2023
The singer’s statement drew mixed reactions from netizens on Twitter, with some sharing their own sentiments about the transportation system in the Philippines. Others, however, said the concept of “Filipino time” shouldn’t be used to describe someone who’s “always late.”
“A practice I do if I will [inevitably be] late, especially that I am a Manila commuter, is to clear. Meaning, I will say that I might be late around an hour or 30 minutes before the agreed time so the person expecting me will know what to do as my form of respect,” Twitter user @_diongreg said.
Sir Gary! A practice I do if I will be inevitably late, especially that I am a Manila commuter, is to clear. Meaning, I will say that I might be late around an hour or 30 minutes before the agreed time so the person expecting me will know what to do as my form of respect.
— ✨ DG ✨ (@_diongreg) January 22, 2023
One @icanbeyourErO said commuters will “continue to struggle to arrive on time” if the condition of the “public transportation system will not improve.
I appreciate the optimism in this; however, if the condition of the public transportation system will not improve, the commuters will continue to struggle to arrive on time. Imagine waiting to get a ride for HOURS and travel from one city to another for HOURS, too.
— VIRGIL (@icanbeyourErO) January 22, 2023
Another @philipalegre said Valenciano’s sentiment is about respecting the time of others.
“For me it’s always about respect. Respecting your time and theirs. If they don’t arrive on time w/o reason, they think their time is more valuable than yours, consciously or not,” they began. “On the other hand, if you are late, you don’t respect yourself enough to be true to your word.”
For me it’s always about respect.
Respecting your time and theirs.
If they don’t arrive on time w/o reason, they think their time is more valuable than yours, consciously or not.
On the other hand, if you are late, you don’t respect yourself enough to be true to your word.
— Phil Alegre ✍🏼 (@philipalegre) January 22, 2023
Twitter user @MineIsSe7en, on the other hand, said arriving time boils down to “discipline.”
Arriving on time for an appointment or commitment boils down to discipline and yes, respect. Hindi lahat meron. Minsan mismong mga Boss ayaw galangin ang oras ng subordinates. Sad. Really sad.
— Se7en (@MineIsSe7en) January 22, 2023
Another netizen pointed out that tardiness shouldn’t be blamed on people, but to “authorities” instead.
Can’t we just demand more from the authorities and stop putting the blame on people? While I get what your intention is, I’m just so tired of resiliency porn. 😒
— •Riki Hopes• #6️⃣5️⃣🎹 Manifesting Tito James wins (@naurrr_sjy) January 22, 2023
The award-winning singer, who’s dubbed as “Mr. Pure Energy”, is best known for his hit songs “Sana Maulit Muli,” “I Will Be Here,” and “Warrior is a Child,” among others.
Valenciano recently made headlines last December 2022 after he assured fans that he’s doing well after tweeting about asking for the Lord’s “miraculous touch.” EDV