Flower prices double ahead of Valentine's Day

MANILA, Philippines — Flowers are sold for twice as much the day before Valentine's Day at Manila's flower markets on Friday.

A dozen roses grown locally with earlier price tag of P350 are now sold for P800 at Sampaloc's Dangwa Flower Market, known for its cheaper prices for fresh flowers.

Each piece from Benguet and Cagayan provinces can be bought for P50 to P70.

Imported flowers, however, are much pricier and affected by port congestion and high demand.

Long-stemmed roses imported from China, meanwhile, have a price tag of P1,200 per bouquet. The same bundle was previously priced at only P600.

Carnation bouquets are sold for P180 while Malaysian mums range from P400 to P500 a dozen.

Dangwa market is composed of several, small vendors along Dos Castillas Street. It is flocked by buyers usually around Valentine's Day, Holy Week, Mother's Day and All Saints' Day. - Camille Diola