The price of flowers in Dangwa, Manila, is expected to increase due to the expected increase in demand as Valentine’s Day approaches, according to many vendors on Wednesday.
Lolita N. De Dios, 47, a florist for 20 years, said that the prices of roses – the most sold flower during the event – currently sold at ₱800 to ₱1,000 per bunch (24 pieces), may increase to ₱1,500 to ₱1,800
He noted that rose prices have already increased by about ₱200 since early February.
“The answers to these questions are 7 or 8 [Prices could still go up by as much as ₱200 per day starting February 7 or 8],” Ms. De Dios said in an interview.
Veteran florist Lourdes B. Noepe, 67, who has been selling flowers in Dangwa for 50 years, said price hikes are common during times like Valentine’s Day.
“Find out more about Valentine’s Day to improve engagement… [Prices really go up during Valentine’s Day because many people buy, and suppliers also raise prices],” said Ms. Noepe.
As for other flowers, both sellers said that the prices remained unchanged since the beginning of the month, but an increase is also expected during the same period.
Current prices and expected increases for some common flowers in Dangwa:
Sunflower
Current price: ₱500 for 10 pieces (₱50 per stem)
Expected price: ₱600 to ₱700 for 10 pieces
Imported carnation
Current price: ₱500 per bundle (20 pieces)
Expected price: ₱600 per bundle
Malaysian mothers, in a place known as rados
Current price: ₱50 to ₱80 per small bouquet
₱120 to ₱170 a bundle (20 pieces)
Expected price increase: No increase is expected as of this writing
Some vendors have also started selling bouquets priced at around ₱800.
Mrs. De Dios said custom bouquets were last year’s highlight and she expects the same this year. Custom flowers can cost around ₱2,000, including a ₱300 labor fee.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) does not set a suggested retail price for flowers, as these are not considered basic necessities or commodities.
For customers looking for cheaper options, Ms. De Dios advises buying flowers for a small amount, often called ‘tingi’, which usually costs ₱50 to ₱200, depending on the type of flower.
“Mas maganda na tingi-tingi na lang. Kasi if magpapa-arrange ka pa, may babayaran at mas mahal [It’s better to buy at smaller quantities because if you still have them arranged, there’s an additional fee and it becomes more expensive],” he said.
Meanwhile, Ms. Noepe advised customers to go into the shops themselves to get the lowest prices, as the stalls near the entrance are often expensive.
Dangwa is a common destination for Metro Manila residents when they buy flowers, as it serves as a major dumping ground for products from Northern Luzon and international sources.
For Chelsea Meteoro, a 23-year-old third-year college student, Dangwa is her side business flower market this Valentine season.
“Dito kasi mas fresh, mas marami, mas sariwa ang mga bulaklak than sa other place [The flowers here are fresher and more abundant compared with other places],” he said.
Both retailers expect their sales to boom this Valentine’s Day, as it’s one of the peak times of the year they rely on for solid income. – Edg Adrian A. Eva
