Photography by Carol Bustamante

Also known as the Bulaklakan ng Maynila, Dangwa is the country’s famous fresh flower wholesale market in Santa Cruz and Sampaloc, Manila. There are close to 50 stalls which line the streets of Dos Castillas Street and Laong Laan which sell all kinds of local and imported blooms including mums, roses, gerberas, asters, zinnias, marigolds, chrysanthemums, to anthuriums, daisies, and tulips. The market, named Dangwa because of its proximity to the Dangwa Bus Terminal, has been the go-to market for Manila’s floral needs from flower arrangements for special affairs such as weddings, debuts, wakes, or church celebrations, to ornamental plants, accessories, and supplies. It is open any day of the week, The market is open between 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. and 1 a.m. to 3 a.m., the best time to get the freshest and newest stocks. Hence, if you want to score a good bargain for your blooms, you should go there hours before midnight. Prices are also affordable and negotiable, with roses going for as low as P50 for a dozen on a regular day and as much as P300 during special occasions like Valentine’s Day and All Souls’ Day.