As Valentine's Day approaches, the demand for flowers reaches its peak, with red roses standing out as the main symbol of love.
Flowers are a hallmark of Valentine’s Day in the Philippines. Popular places to purchase blooms include the Dangwa Flower Market in Manila, Baguio City’s Panagbenga Flower Festival, and local neighborhood stores or talipapa.
Online flower shops like flowerstore.ph, flowerchimp.com.ph, and knots.ph, also deliver nationwide.
In Metro Manila, the Bulaklakan ng Maynila, popularly known as the Dangwa Flower Market, has been developed by the Manila City government.
The cutflower industry takes its bloom as this “bagsakan” (trading post) area helps showcase flowers (and leaves) for all occasions with the help of shippers from Baguio City, Davao City, Tagaytay City, Cotabato City, and Laguna.
Red roses are classic, but colors like pink, white, and yellow also represent romance. Native flowers like anthuriums, orchids, chrysanthemums, lilies, and sunflowers are inexpensive yet meaningful options. Arrangements, bouquets, potted plants, or petals are all welcome gifts. This practice, known as "floriography," solidified the romantic status of the red rose.
Flower-giving also encapsulates the Filipino spirit of thoughtful gestures during Valentine’s Day. It traces back to Filipinos using the “language of flowers” during colonial rule, when expressing feelings openly was suppressed. Flowers conveyed secret messages, with red roses meaning “I love you.”
Today, flowers remain integral to Filipino courtship and romance. Suitors gift flowers to pursue romantic interests. Reciprocating flowers indicates a positive response. On Valentine’s Day itself, although not a common practice, women may also give men flowers like gentleman’s roses. Receiving flowers makes one feel appreciated and admired.
Where to buy flowers in the metro?
Local flower shops in your area may offer a variety of bouquets and arrangements. You can find these by exploring your neighborhood or searching online.
Markets and street vendors are often the best choice to get cheaper flower arrangements, especially during special occasions like Valentine's Day. Check out popular markets or busy streets known for floral arrangements.
The most popular among the flower markets in Metro Manila is Dangwa, which is named after the terminal of a bus company that plies the Manila-Baguio route and which for decades have been a regular carrier of flower shipments.
The market, which occupies at least two blocks along Dos Castillas Street in Sampaloc, Manila, is composed of several small individually-owned stalls and street vendors selling flowers wholesale and retailing them 50 to 90 percent cheaper than most flower shops.
As part of the evolving cutflower industry, many online platforms and florists offer flower delivery services. You can place an order online and have the flowers delivered to your preferred location.
Before making any purchases, it's a good idea to read reviews, check for delivery options, and compare prices to ensure you get the best service and quality. Additionally, due to the evolving situation, it's recommended to verify the current status and availability with the specific vendors or shops you plan to visit.
Moreover, larger shopping malls may have flower shops or stalls during Valentine's Day. Check the malls nearest you for potential flower vendors. Some supermarkets also have floral sections where you can find a selection. Also, you can look for specialty florists that focus specifically on floral arrangements. They may have unique and customized options for Valentine's Day. Numerous florists provide an array of options for those seeking to embrace this timeless tradition, ensuring that love blossoms in the most beautiful and expressive way possible.
Flowers add beauty, color, and fragrance to Valentine’s Day. Their ephemeral nature echoes the fleetingness of love itself. Filipinos relish flowers for expressing emotions eloquently and symbolizing hopes of romance. Flowers are offered as a piece of one’s heart. (AVS/PIA-NCR)
