HOW ONIONS BECAME A LUXURY IN THE PHILIPPINES
Written by Lola Narawa on January 30, 2023
According to official statistics, the price of onions surged in the Philippines to around 700 pesos ($12.80; £10.40) per kg last month.
That is more than the cost of meat, and the Southeast Asian country’s daily minimum wage.
Earlier this month, 10 crew members from Philippine Airlines were investigated for attempting to smuggle nearly 40kg of onions and fruits into luggage bags.
Customs officials later said they will not face charges but warned travellers against carrying produce without permits.
A bride in the Philippines even used onions in her bouquet instead of flowers. Telling her husband that they could use it again after the wedding instead of flowers that would just wilt and be thrown away.