Why do these expats prefer to say it with flowers? Gulf News #Pinoy finds out, and and also learn the secret language of blooms
Dubai: “I think I want that one,” A Filipina points at a solitary rose stalk encased in glass, remarking how it looks exactly like the real-life version of the enchanted rose from Beauty and the Beast.
“Do you have it in yellow? I love yellow roses!” she tells the florist with a big smile.
Were in Petals by Carmille, a Filipino-owned enterprise in Al Ghurair Mall, where preserved roses are as popular with the Filipino crowd as fresh flowers.
A little while later, another Filipina saunters in. Shes looking for a bouquet of fresh blooms for a bridal shower. “Actually my friend is the groom-to-be,” Maria Regina Amiscua, HR administrative assistant, tells Gulf News #Pinoy. The florist suggests that pink roses would be perfect.
Why are Filipino fond of blooms, we ask. Amiscua thinks its because "a flower is a symbol of love, which I believe represents Filipinos a lot [because] Filipinos are very loving people."
Romantic bunch
When it comes to picking blooms, it appears Filipinos are the most romantic bunch, and expatriates in the UAE are no exception.
“Theyre my biggest clientele,” says Marycel Molina Roxas, proprietor of Petals by Carmille.
“Filipinos are super sweet. They are so romantic in a sense that they celebrate even monthsaries,” Roxas reveals, adding that some even celebrate their “boyfriend-girlfriend anniversary dates”.
She says Filipinos in the UAE usually buy roses, although the most requested flowers are tulips.
“When we dont say it with food, we say it with flowers,” Roxas says with a laugh, adding that Filipinos are “naturally romantic”.
There is always a bouquet for any occasion. "Valentines Day, that's one. Birthdays, Christmas, Mother's Day and anniversaries, graduations… just simply [to] make your loved ones happy, [even with] a single, simple flower,” says Ramon Abeto, an electrical supervisor in Dubai.
Abeto says his wife always gets a bouquet of roses from him. "Actually [every time] she comes back from vacation, I usually buy [her flowers],” he reveals with a shy smile.
“Filipinos are romantic, they even give flowers to their parents to show their appreciation,” Kenneth Lilang, a mechanical engineer, says in Filipino.
Secret language of flowers
But what does our choice of flowers say about us? Roxas says colours have a hidden meaning. She shares her tips on two of the most popular blooms in the UAE:
Marycel Molina Roxas of Petals by Carmille.
Red rose means I love you
Pink rose means appreciation and happiness
White rose means purity or I'm worthy of you
Purple rose means love at first sight
Yellow rose means joy, friendship or enlightenment
Red tulip means true love
Pink tulip means care and attachment
Yellow tulip means hopeless love
Purple tulip means royalty
White tulip means Im worthy
