BY: ANGELICA ARQUERO

As the New Year approaches, round fruits are once again in high demand at the Baguio City market.

However, due to financial challenges, Che, a shopper, said she won’t be completing the traditional 12 round fruits this year.

“I’ll just be resourceful, three apples, three oranges, maybe a quarter kilo of grapes. Just a small amount, really,” said ‘Che’.

According to vendors, the prices of some fruits have increased by 10 pesos to 15 pesos.

“During Christmas, there’s usually a slight price increase for fruits,” said Marbay Lardizabal, a vendor.

Despite this, fruit prices in the city are still cheaper compared to those in Metro Manila.

Tourist Trisha took the opportunity to shop for her media noche here.

According to Trisha, a tourist, “There are affordable ones so far, but I’m still comparing prices as I walk around, trying to find even lower prices if I can negotiate.”

Meanwhile, Nanay Angelita has already set aside a budget for buying round fruits.

“When it comes to budgeting, I’ve set aside 500 pesos. It’s expensive now. For example, a single melon costs 80 pesos but I end up paying 138 pesos,” said Angelita.

During the news team’s rounds at the Baguio market, apples were priced at 100 pesos to 120 pesos for three pieces, while melons ranged from 120 pesos to 150 pesos per kilo.

Watermelon was priced at 80 pesos to 90 pesos per kilo, oranges at 150 pesos to 180 pesos, and longgan at 200 pesos to 220 pesos.

Grapes ranged from 250 pesos to 280 pesos per kilo, and kiat-kiat was 50 pesos to 100 pesos per pack.

Pears were priced at 100 pesos to 120 pesos per kilo, pomelos at 60 pesos to 80 pesos, kiwis at 100 pesos for three pieces, and persimmons at 120 pesos to 140 pesos for three pieces.

However, vendors said prices may still rise as the New Year draws nearer.