Flower prices increase as Valentine's Day nears

The prices of some flowers doubled a few days before Valentine's Day as buyers flocked to Dangwa in Sampaloc, Manila on Friday.

According to Mariz Umali's report on "24 Oras," one of the best-selling flowers, tulips, is now at P150 per piece from the previous price of P130.

Indian roses rose at P1,500 per 12 pieces from the previous P1,000 and red roses at P600-P700 per dozen from the previous P300.

Meanwhile, dried flowers are also available at P700 to P750, depending on the type and arrangement.

"It (dried flowers) lasts long, eh, than the fresh flower. Ayoko ng fresh flower kasi after 3 days bulok na,” said Lorna Acuña, a florist.

Aside from flower bouquets, there are also lots of unique bouquets that can be chosen from like the vegetable bouquet, money bouquet, chocolate bouquet, and 'alak pa more' or liquor bouquet.

“Sibuyas ay sign din siya ng pagmamahal dahil nagmamahal, di ba? Ang bawang naman para sa mga aswang para ‘di ma-aso ang mga asawa nila at mga boyfriend at girlfriend nila, ‘di ba? Syempre may bouquet ka na, meron ka pang panggamit, hindi masasayang ang pera mo,” said Monica Castro, flower shop owner.

In Koronadal City, flower prices also went up. The prices of bouquets of imported flowers costs from P1,500 to P2,500 from the previous P750 to P1,200.

The locally grown flowers, however, started at P500 from the previous P300 to P350. -- Sherylin Untalan/BAP, GMA Integrated News