By JALEEN RAMOS and AARON HOMER DIOQUINO
Heavy traffic at Dangwa flower market in Manila and Farmers Garden in Cubao, Quezon City is expected tonight until tomorrow as many people buy flowers for their loved ones in time for Valentine’s Day celebration.
In a report from GMA News, high prices of flowers at Dangwa market in Sampaloc, Manila are also expected.
According to one of flower store owners, Agapita Pamulaklakin, two dozens of roses from Baguio City are currently going for more than P1,000, up from the previous price tag of P700.
This is due to fertilizer price hike as well as the prevailing cold weather, she told GMA News.
Meanwhile, flower vendors at Farmers Garden, Araneta City, Brgy. Socorro, Quezon City said that bouquets of red roses are still their best sellers bought by people as gifts for their loved ones for Valentine's Day.
The vendors said most of their customers purchase a dozen or 12 pieces of roses. Some also buy different kinds of flowers such as sunflowers, stargazers, and tulips.
They added that prices of the flowers range around P500 to P2,000 depending on the size, number of flowers and customization/design requested by their customers, as well as the prices given to them by their supplier.
Some shops also sell the flowers per piece for around P90.
Ms. Maricel Garcia, administration and purchasing officer of TME Flowers and Style, told Manila Bulletin that they are expecting more customers on Valentine's Day, but there are a lot of buyers who visited their shop in the area in the morning on Monday, Feb. 13.
According to her, giving flowers to your loved ones on Valentine’s Day, especially the girls, make them feel special.
"Iba ‘yung feeling na inaabutan ka ng flowers every Valentine’s Day, though pwede ka naman bigyan ng ibang items. Pwede ka bigyan ng foods, pwede ka bigyan ng clothes, pero iba kasi ‘yung dating kapag flowers ‘yung binibigay, nakakakilig (The feeling is different when you receive flowers every Valentine’s Day, although you may get other items. You can be given foods, or clothes, but it's different when you get flowers, it's thrilling)," she said.
Aside from flowers, the shops also sell other gift items such as balloons and stuffed toys.
The administration of Farmer's Market said they allowed the flower vendors to display their products for Valentine’s Day in front of the garden until Feb. 14.