12 Noon: AM or PM in the Philippines?
In the Philippines, one of the most common questions asked is whether 12 noon is considered AM or PM. This confusion arises from the fact that 12 o'clock is often referred to as "noon" or "12:00 PM" in informal conversations, while formal time-telling conventions classify it as 12:00 PM.
Understanding AM and PM
Before diving into the specifics of 12 noon in the Philippines, let's first understand the basics of AM and PM.
- AM stands for "Ante Meridiem," which means "before midday" in Latin. It refers to the hours from midnight to 11:59 AM.
- PM stands for "Post Meridiem," which means "after midday" in Latin. It refers to the hours from 12:00 PM to 11:59 PM.
12 Noon in the Philippines: AM or PM?
In the Philippines, 12 noon is formally considered 12:00 PM. This is in line with international time-telling conventions, which classify 12:00 as the middle of the day, separating the AM hours from the PM hours.
In practical usage, however, many Filipinos refer to 12 noon as "lunchtime" or simply "noon," without explicitly stating AM or PM. This informal usage can lead to confusion, especially when dealing with formal schedules, appointments, or international transactions.
Why the Confusion?
The confusion surrounding 12 noon in the Philippines may stem from the country's cultural heritage. The Philippines was a US colony from 1898 to 1946, during which time American English influences were introduced to the local language. In American English, 12 o'clock is often referred to as "noon" in informal conversations, which may have contributed to the confusion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 12 noon in the Philippines is formally considered 12:00 PM. While informal usage may refer to it simply as "noon," it is essential to use the formal notation, especially in formal or business contexts, to avoid confusion.
