BEIJING, China (The Adobo Chronicles, Tokyo Bureau) – Once every four years, the calendar counts 366 days in a year, as opposed to the usual 365 days.  It’s because every four years is a leap year which means there are 29, instead of 28 days in February.

But lo and behold, the year 2018 (not a leap year) only has 364 days because February 14 has been scratched from the calendar.

It is a phenomenon that has baffled historians, politicians, sociologists and religious leaders.

To add insult to injury, Ferbruary 14 this year is not only Valentine’s Day but also Ash Wednesday. The Catholic Church has urged its followers to skip Valentine’s celebration in  order to appropriately commemorate Ash Wednesday, a day of fasting and abstinence.