BY IME SORNITO and MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – Candle vendors in this city and Iloilo Province are optimistic about earning more income this All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day as the annual tradition of visiting cemeteries, lighting candles, and offering prayers for departed loved ones brings an increase in demand for candles.
Candle vendor Elena Patricio, 58, a resident of Leganes, Iloilo and a regular seller outside the Leganes Public Cemetery, has set up her stand, hoping for steady sales until November 2. Her candles are priced variably: a single stick costs P5, a popular choice among buyers, while packs of three cost P20, and eight-piece sets are available for P100.
“Sales typically pick up from October 31 through November 2, as these are the peak days for cemetery visits. This is our opportunity to earn more,” Patricio shared, adding that she only sells candles seasonally, relying on her small eatery for her primary livelihood.
Patricio hopes that high foot traffic at the Leganes Public Cemetery will translate into brisk candle sales. “I’m hoping many will visit this year to boost our income,” she added.
Similarly, “Ging-ging”, a vendor outside Jaro Public Cemetery, expressed her hopes for a profitable season, noting that sales were still slow on October 30.
“I hope to sell out my stock this year,” she said, anticipating an influx of visitors on November 1 and 2. Last year, she earned up to P1,000 daily during the holiday, with candles priced at P5 each and packs ranging from P50 to P120, depending on the brand and size.
Another vendor, “Nene”, 35, from Jaro district, also started selling candles outside Jaro Cathedral on October 31.
Offering candles at P5 to P8 per piece and P70 per pack, Nene sees the holiday as a chance to supplement her income.
“Selling candles is a good way to earn while I have no other job,” she said./PN
