HOW often do you have dinner with strangers? Every Wednesday, in over 210 cities worldwide, TimeLeft allows six strangers to step out of their routines, unplug and connect with new people. This social platform facilitates in-person connections by organizing group dinners every Wednesday at 7 p.m.
In the Philippines, TimeLeft launched its first dinners on August 14 in Makati and Taguig. Today, dinners are available in Pasig, Quezon City, Parañaque, Muntinlupa, Davao and Cebu, with Iloilo and Bacolod recently joining the list.
My TimeLeft journey began with an introduction from Opal Wongwarthawat, the country manager for Thailand and the Philippines. Curious about the concept, I decided to explore this app, which is designed to help people break out of social isolation through weekly group dinners.
Signing up was easy — I created a profile, answered a few personality questions, and set preferences for budget, dietary needs and location. TimeLeft’s algorithm would match me with a diverse group. A day before the dinner, I received a preview of my fellow diners, with professions ranging from service and health care to business owners and media professionals.
On Wednesday evening, I headed to a restaurant in a busy mall in Pasig City. As I approached the meeting spot, I wondered — would I meet people my age? Would we have anything in common? Would the conversation flow easily? I had doubts, but the excitement of stepping outside my comfort zone won out.
When I arrived, one participant greeted me, and two more joined shortly after. Our group consisted of three women and one man — two others had to cancel, which initially disappointed me. TimeLeft considers cancellations on Tuesday or Wednesday “late,” and there’s no refund or rescheduling, even for subscribers. However, the smaller group size turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The intimate setting allowed for deeper, more focused conversations.
Despite my initial skepticism, the dinner was a delightful experience. Conversation flowed effortlessly, free of awkward silences or forced pleasantries. Although I was the oldest, we discussed a range of topics — from our professional lives to personal passions — discovering common ground and shared interests. It felt like we were old friends, laughing together and at ourselves. I was transparent from the start, letting everyone know I was writing about my TimeLeft experience and highlighting its potential to create meaningful connections in an increasingly disconnected world.
“Parker” (not his real name) was pleasantly surprised by how well the group got along despite having little in common. He praised TimeLeft’s group matching, saying, “I had zero expectations, but I’m grateful my first dinner went so well.” While he acknowledged that not every dinner would be perfect, he hopes others will have similarly positive experiences.
Parker also suggested that TimeLeft consider less congested locations to encourage more participation. Overall, he said, “It was a great experience, and I encourage anyone open to meeting new people over dinner to give it a try.”
Another participant, D’ Loulou, shared that although only two of the dinners she attended were truly great, those experiences were enough to keep her hopeful. “It was refreshing to see how open and genuine people were, without putting up facades or trying to impress,” D’ Loulou said. Conversations flowed naturally, with participants feeling comfortable enough to be vulnerable, bringing the group closer together. This positive experience is why she’s excited to go out again this Wednesday.
The subscription doesn’t cover the dinner cost, so I paid for my portion. After the meal, the app prompted me for feedback and asked if I wanted to stay connected with any group members. This allows messaging within the app. My group had a good time, and we wanted to keep the conversation going, but since the restaurant was in a mall, we had to wrap things up by 10 p.m. when the mall closed.
While my TimeLeft experience was positive, not everyone clicks with their group, as discussed in a PumaPodcast episode. Three individuals — Bella, Bubbles and Macy — shared their experiences in Metro Manila.
Bella, intrigued by ads, and Bubbles, influenced by social media, tried the app, while Macy hesitated due to concerns about location and cost. The podcast highlighted some awkward encounters, such as recognizing someone from college, and group dynamics that felt forced. The hosts noted that while TimeLeft is a unique way to meet people, it can be “hit or miss” and could improve location selection, group matching and communication with restaurants.
If you’re curious about expanding your social circle in an authentic, face-to-face setting, TimeLeft is worth a try. Being open to different personalities and potential surprises is key to making the most of it. Ready to step away from your screen and meet someone new? Download TimeLeft and see where your next dinner takes you!
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