Several established flower shops in the Dangwa area have put up additional selling spaces along Dos Castillas Street and Dapitan Street in Sampaloc, Manila, as the Valentine’s Day rush builds up.

While many of the vendors already operate permanent stores within the Dangwa Flower Market vicinity, some have expanded to temporary roadside and sidewalk stalls this week to accommodate the expected surge in buyers ahead of Feb. 14.

Florists said the move allows them to display more ready-made bouquets and handle faster transactions as foot traffic increases daily.

“May mga pwesto na kami sa loob, pero nagdagdag kami sa labas dahil mas maraming bumibili kapag malapit sa kalsada at mas kita nila mga bulaklak (We already have stalls inside, but we added spaces outside because more people buy when we’re closer to the road and the flowers are more visible),” said Carla, a 34-year old owner, noting that additional stocks of roses, carnations, sunflowers, and mixed arrangements have arrived.

Meanwhile, Jomar, 40, owner of Bunny Flowers Boutique, said they set up two additional tents, one along Dapitan Street and another on Dos Castillas Street, on top of their main stall along Laong Laan Street.

Dried flower and crochet flower arrangements are also proving popular among buyers, with prices ranging from P700 and up, depending on the design. 

Jomar said buyers have started canvassing early to secure lower prices, as rates traditionally rise closer to Valentine’s Day. 

Meanwhile, the Manila Traffic and  Parking Bureau also reminded the public to expect heavier pedestrian traffic and possible congestion along Dos Castillas, Dapitan, and nearby streets in the coming days.