It’s the season of flowers again. Not that I’m complaining. They definitely brighten a weary soul’s day and captivate a cynic’s heart especially on a Valentine’s Day. I used to make faces whenever I’d pass by a person with a bouquet. It‘s not out of bitterness, I swear (said every grouch ever); I just think it’s impractical.

But boy, are they ravishing. I can’t help but adore every florists’ skill in handling such delicate living things.

Speaking of florists, if ever you’re wondering what our country has to offer in the floristry department, here are some flower designers you need to know:

Spruce Floral Designs

129 Diego Silang Road
Phase 2, AFPOVAI Subd., Taguig City
519-2937, [email protected]

nolisoli florists — *Photo from Spruce Floral Designs*

Spruce is a household name when it comes to flower arrangement, be it for weddings, special parties, or just any occasion. One can’t miss the elegant blooms with the careful touch of Pat Pastelero-Tañedo, a.k.a. The Floralist behind Spruce.

Fiori di Marghi Floralscapes

The Commissary, Whitespace,
2314 Chino Roces Ave. Ext., Makati City
729-0030, [email protected]

nolisoli fixture florists — *Photo from Fiori di Marghi*

Fiori di Marghi is Margarita Fores’ flower concept and it fixates on living plants that are often overlooked, nature’s discards like skins from coconut tree’s trunk, and recycled materials. The photo above shows Sette, a bouquet of red Ecuadorian roses, coconut skin, berries, succulents, and vines, from its Valentine’s Day collection.

Akong Gugma

0917-5122072, [email protected]

Behind Akong Gugma is the RabbitHole Creatives, a team that specializes in the styling of persons and events, and production design. “We don’t know anything about them. Or how to arrange it, really. Maybe it’s an obsession with a neo-classical aesthetic,” writes the team on a Facebook post. But their arrangement of exotic flora is undeniably enchanting.

Bella Filipina

Mayon cor. Dapitan Sts.,
Quezon City
0977-2433297, [email protected]

Part of the allure of Bella Filipina is that they wrap their rustic bouquets in black, gray, or translucent kraft paper and a burlap sack. If you wish to have metallic accents, they have wine, dark gold, and green, as well. The photo above shows a muted, moody summer palette using rusty eucalyptus, wine lisianthus, two-toned Ecuadorian, and apricot English roses.

Lanai

C-4 The Alley, Karrivin Plaza
2316 Chino Roces Ave. Ext., Makati City
802-5427, [email protected]

Lanai is a lifestyle store with a selection of home accents, gifts, and apparels. But what breathes life to it the most is its Flores section where you can luxuriate in well-curated fresh blooms and wreaths. Of course, they’re open for floral consultations, rejuvenation, custom arrangements, and other floral services.

Mabolo

Jannov Plaza
2295 Chino Roces Ave. Ext., Makati City
893-6912, [email protected]

With 22 years of experience in magically maximizing every flower’s potential, you can trust Mabolo when it comes to flower arrangements for your special events. They import their seasonal flowers and materials weekly, so expect a larger collection of flora.

Te Amo Floristeria

GF, Active Fun Bldg.,
9th Ave. cor. 28th St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
886-6888, [email protected]

Te Amo Floristeria has captured the hearts of a hell lot of Filipinos (they have 50,000+ followers on Instagram, the most in this list) including local celebrities. They’re known for the trendy box bouquets and imported roses that last for three to five years.