NOW that observance of Undas is just a day away, Filipino families are flocking the narrow streets of Dangwa flower market for last-minute flower purchases to commemorate their deceased loved ones.
The observance of Undas, or All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on November 1 and 2, is a significant cultural and religious event in the Philippines. A period to commemorate the deceased loved ones of Filipino families.
Photo Courtesy: Bryan Gadingan | republicasia
This is also a time when families gather in cemeteries to honor and remember their ancestors. One of the main things they bring to these places are flowers, a symbol of love, remembrance, and respect.
Given the importance of flowers for this once-a-year event, as well as the increasing number of customers, costs are also rising. Now, republicasia has visited Dangwa and interviewed a florist about current price status.
Not much of an increase
In an interview with republicasia, Richard Lasutan, a florist from Beautiful Blossoms Flower Shop, located at the corner of Maria Clara St. in Dangwa, discussed the current price rise at their store.
Photo Courtesy: Bryan Gadingan | republicasia
“Nagtaas ang presyo, pero konti lang naman din ang itinaas. Kung tutuusin nasa fifty pesos lang naman din ang tinaas,” explained Lasutan, while saying that this year’s increase is not that high.
“Halimbawa itong bundle ng carnation, dati nasa 350, ngayon 400. Ganun lang naman hindi naman masyadong mataas kung ikukumpara sa nakaraang taon,” he added.
Roses currently cost 80 pesos per stem and 1000 pesos for a bundle of 20 stems. Tulips, on the other hand, cost 90 pesos per stem and 3000 pesos for a bundle, while carnations cost 400 pesos per bundle, and they are all imported, said Lasutan.
Photo Courtesy: Bryan Gadingan | republicasia
When questioned about the most popular flower set for Undas, the florist stated that the arranged carnation bundle within a little basket has been the go-to for the majority of their customers.
Meanwhile, sunflowers in the store opposite them cost 250 pesos for a small stemmed bundle of five and 350 pesos for a long stemmed bundle of five.
A consideration to Filipinos
Given the country’s heavy rain the previous week caused by severe tropical storm Kristine, as well as the impact of Super Typhoon Leon on various regions, the florist explained why their store chose not to hike prices greatly.
“Kailangan kasi namin magbaba ng presyo para maibenta at maubos lang. Hindi na kami nagtaas masyado kasi maulan nung nakaraang linggo. Walang bibili kung masyado namin tataasan ‘yung bulaklak,” he said.
Lasutan also stated that their business will not increase prices on any of the days, or even on the days after Undas, given that their store is more focused on selling everything they’ve prepared for the weekend.
“Hindi na kami magtataas, hanggang dun na talaga siya, sagad na ‘yun. Hindi ko lang alam sa ibang [tindahan]. Medyo marami namang bumibili, puro order lang galing online,” he added.
With the overwhelming rush from Filipinos, it is clear that flowers play an important role in the country’s Undas commemoration. They are more than just decorations; they are profound expressions of love and memory.
The significance of flowers during Undas is a sad reminder of the enduring connection between the living and the dead, ensuring that loved ones’ memories be passed down through generations.
