The FREEMAN
has compiled the top and active businesses that would- be entrepreneurs would want to venture into season of Lent:
• Religious Articles. Lenten is a significant season for stores selling religious items as most people are expected to find something that will guide and help them in their reflection and repentance on Holy Week. Guide books for Station of the Cross are usually the most saleable item because Catholics use it during the “Visita Iglesia.” The cheapest one is sold at P50 each. Some people also buy rosaries which can be bought from P8 to P45. A Holy Bible’s price ranges from P150 - P500. Prayer books sells at P90 - P250 and candles is at P5 - P90, depending on the size.
• Ingredients for Binignit. As the holy week is fast approaching, people has started to rush to public markets to buy ingredients for binignit, a traditional Filipino food made restaurant, said during this season people would normally buy their fish dishes such as grilled Bangus and Tanggue and Tinolang Katambak. Meanwhile, the season also brings booming business to seafood sellers at Carbon Market in the city.
• Halo-Halo. Because of the apparent hot weather during Lent--considering also the approaching summer season-- some people are interested to sell Halo-Halo, a cold Filipino dessert, in their own backyard or in places near establishments.
• Kakanin. A good snack alternative to hamburgers, siomai and other processed meat products, different kinds of “kakanin” or sweet delicacies can be available in many parts of the city at a very affordable price. The cheapest “kakanin” is sold at P5.
• Vegetables and Fruits. Aside from fish, vegetable consumption is also high as these are sold at their lowerst prices, vendors at the Carbon Market said. A piece of Sayote can even be bought at P3. A fruit vendor in Cebu City downtown area said, “Normal ra man ang presyo sa mga prutas maong daghan namalit. Unya tungod sab kay kuwaresma na man. Daghang naglikay sa karne.”
• Lukay. Palm or coconut leaves shaped into crosses are expected to be in-demand days before or on April 13 which is Palm Sunday, the Lord’s resurrection. Although “lukay” trading is deemed as a seasonal business, still Lent means a big income for “lukay” makers as almost all Catholics buy this product which they believe would protect them from bad elements.