Philippine Occasions and Flower-Giving Guide for Overseas Senders
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The Philippines has one of the richest gifting cultures in Southeast Asia — driven by close family bonds, strong faith traditions, and a deep sense of occasion. For Filipinos abroad and their networks, knowing when to send flowers isn't just about remembering dates. It's about understanding what those dates mean to the people receiving them.
This guide covers every major Philippine occasion where flowers are meaningful, what to send for each, and how to time your order from overseas. For a full overview of how GiftGoNow's international ordering process works, read the Complete Guide to Sending Flowers to the Philippines from Abroad →
January — New Year and Feast Days
New Year (January 1)
New Year in the Philippines is a major celebration — louder and more communal than Christmas in many households. Flowers are less traditional than food gifts on New Year's Day itself, but sending flowers to ring in the new year for a parent, partner, or close friend is a warm and increasingly common gesture.
What to send: Bright, cheerful arrangements — sunflowers, mixed seasonal bouquets. Avoid white-only arrangements (too funerary for a celebration).
Feast of the Black Nazarene (January 9)
A deeply religious observance centered in Quiapo, Manila. Not a gifting occasion, but worth knowing for delivery logistics — Manila traffic on this date is severe.
February — Valentine's Day and Romance
Valentine's Day (February 14)
Valentine's Day in the Philippines is one of the biggest flower delivery days of the year — on par with Mother's Day. The tradition is strong across all age groups and income levels. Red roses dominate. Order well in advance: GiftGoNow delivery slots fill quickly in the week leading up to February 14.
What to send: Red roses (classic and expected), red and white arrangements, romantic mixed bouquets.
Timing from abroad: Order at least 3–5 days in advance. Same-day delivery is available but availability of premium arrangements is not guaranteed. The 2:00 PM PHT cutoff applies.
Message card: "Mahal kita" is always right. See our full message card guide →
March / April — Holy Week (Semana Santa)
Holy Week (date varies — typically late March to mid-April)
Holy Week is the most sacred period in the Philippine Catholic calendar. Businesses close, traffic clears, and most Filipinos observe the period with family, prayer, and reflection. Flower gifting is subdued during Holy Week itself — this is not a celebration period. However:
- Condolence flowers remain appropriate at any time, including Holy Week
- Easter Sunday (Linggo ng Pagkabuhay) is a joyful occasion where flowers for family are appropriate
Delivery note: GiftGoNow delivers during Holy Week, but processing times may extend for provincial orders. Plan accordingly.
May — Mother's Day and Flores de Mayo
Mother's Day (second Sunday of May)
Mother's Day is the single highest-volume flower delivery occasion in the Philippines — and one of the most emotionally charged. For OFWs who cannot be home, sending flowers to their mother or wife is a deeply meaningful gesture that substitutes for physical presence.
What to send: Pink and white arrangements, roses, carnations (traditional Mother's Day flower globally), mixed seasonal bouquets. Abundant, generous arrangements signal appropriate honor.
Timing from abroad: Order 5–7 days in advance minimum. Mother's Day is peak season — same-day availability is very limited. The cutoff for Mother's Day orders is 12:00 noon PHT (earlier than the standard 2:00 PM cutoff).
Who receives flowers on Mother's Day in the Philippines: Your mother, your wife (if she's a mother), your mother-in-law, your grandmother. All are appropriate recipients.
Flores de Mayo (throughout May)
Flores de Mayo is a month-long Catholic tradition of offering flowers to the Virgin Mary. While not a commercial gifting occasion, it creates a flower-positive cultural atmosphere throughout May. The Santacruzan procession (usually last week of May) is the culmination — a significant community event in many barangays.
June — Independence Day and Graduation Season
Philippine Independence Day (June 12)
A national holiday but not a traditional flower gifting occasion. Schools and offices close.
Graduation Season (March–June, varies by school)
Graduation is a major family milestone in the Philippines — attended by extended family, celebrated with meals, and marked with gifts. Flowers are a standard graduation gift, particularly for women graduates. For board exam passers (nurses, engineers, CPAs, architects, doctors), receiving news of a passing result is itself a celebration occasion.
What to send: Bright, celebratory arrangements. Yellow, orange, and mixed color bouquets. Avoid white-dominant arrangements.
Message card: Acknowledge the specific achievement — "Congratulations, Nurse [Name]!" or "Board passer!" carries more weight than a generic congratulations.
July / August — Smaller Occasions
Ninoy Aquino Day (August 21) and National Heroes Day (Last Monday of August)
National holidays. Not gifting occasions.
Town Fiestas (vary by barangay and municipality)
Every Philippine town has a patron saint feast day — fiesta — typically celebrated with communal meals, street parties, and family gatherings. These are significant occasions for families, particularly in the provinces. Sending flowers for a family fiesta, especially if you know the patron saint's feast date for your recipient's hometown, is a thoughtful and culturally aware gesture.
September / October — Christmas Season Begins
"-Ber" months (September–December)
The Philippines has the longest Christmas season in the world — unofficially beginning in September when "-Ber" months start. Christmas music plays in malls from September 1. Gift-giving begins ramping up from October. Early flower orders for the season are not unusual.
November — All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day
All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2)
Undas — the Filipino tradition of visiting and cleaning the graves of the departed — is one of the most distinctive Philippine cultural observances. Families spend the night at cemeteries, eating, praying, and sharing stories of their loved ones. Flowers for the grave are a central part of the tradition.
What to send: White arrangements, chrysanthemums, white lilies. Formal, respectful.
Delivery note: Cemetery addresses are valid delivery locations. Provide the cemetery name, section, and lot number if possible, plus a contact number for a family member who will be present. November 1–2 is a peak period — order several days in advance.
For OFWs: Sending flowers to be placed on a parent's or grandparent's grave by a sibling or relative at home is a common and deeply felt gesture. Coordinate the delivery address with the family member who will be at the cemetery.
December — Christmas and New Year
Christmas (December 25) and Pasko Season
Christmas in the Philippines is primarily a family occasion — Noche Buena (Christmas Eve dinner) is the central event. Corporate gift-giving is heavy in December. Flowers are appropriate but less dominant than food gifts for Christmas specifically. However, sending flowers as part of a Christmas greeting to a partner, parent, or friend abroad is common and appreciated.
What to send: Red and white arrangements, poinsettia-accented bouquets, festive mixed arrangements.
Delivery note: December 24–26 traffic in Metro Manila is significant. Allow extra time for provincial deliveries.
Year-Round Occasions That Matter
Birthdays
Filipino birthdays are celebrated at all ages, often with extended family gatherings. Milestone birthdays (18th debut, 21st, 50th, 60th, 70th) are particularly significant. Workplace birthday deliveries are common and create public, visible moments — considered positive in Philippine office culture.
Wakes and Funerals (Lamay)
Condolence flowers can be sent any day during the wake period (typically 3–7 days). See our dedicated guide to sending condolence flowers from abroad →
Pasiyam (9th night after burial) and 40th Day
Flowers for the pasiyam or 40th day commemoration are rare and therefore deeply appreciated — most families don't expect them, which makes the gesture more meaningful. Deliver to the family home, not the cemetery.
Job Promotions and New Positions
Career milestones are celebrated in Filipino culture. A promotion, a first day at a new job, or a business launch are all appropriate occasions for flowers.
Hospital Discharges (Going Home)
Sending flowers when someone is discharged from the hospital — rather than during their stay — is a warm gesture that celebrates recovery rather than illness.
Quick Reference: Philippine Flower Occasions Calendar
| Month | Occasion | Flower Priority |
|---|---|---|
| February | Valentine's Day (Feb 14) | 🔴 Very High — order 3–5 days early |
| March–June | Graduation season | 🟡 High |
| April | Easter Sunday | 🟢 Moderate |
| May | Mother's Day (2nd Sunday) | 🔴 Very High — order 5–7 days early, noon cutoff |
| June | Board exam results (ongoing) | 🟡 High — time-sensitive when results drop |
| November | Undas / All Saints' Day (Nov 1–2) | 🟡 High — deliver to cemetery |
| December | Christmas / Pasko | 🟡 High — allow extra delivery time |
| Year-round | Birthdays, wakes, promotions, pasiyam | 🟢 Ongoing |
Ready to send? Browse all GiftGoNow arrangements → or read the Complete International Ordering Guide →