Only one week and two days left to June, and then half the year is off, out, like a candle, and no more! Like they say, how time flies . . . on invisible wings, flying faster and faster, the older you get.

According to an astrologer, the Philippines is a Gemini country, a belief strengthened by the fact that her Independence Day falls on the 12th of June. It was also the astrologer’s opinion that a Gemini country has more Geminis living in it than any other sign. I don’t know how true that is, only that in my immediate family there are five of us June-borns plus a sister and a sister-in-law.

Gemini, represented by the twins Castor and Pollux, and Virgo, the sign of the Virgin, are said to be polar opposites, and they are among the few signs in the zodiac with human attributes. And yet, and yet, Gemini and Virgo are polar opposites, according to astrologers. That could be true, because when I, a Gem, was in my teens, I had a Virgo boyfriend and we were always arguing, debating, quarreling.

At any rate, the calendar on the wall has something like 182 leaves left before a new year comes prancing, dancing in. Even now, publishers of the Chinese lunar calendar are probably in the thick of preparing their 2026 edition for the Year of the Horse starting on Feb. 4.

Let us, for now, enjoy June, or what’s left of it, for a seasonal reason: Here comes the bride! Or is the June bride a myth? Some people are convinced that in this country, more couples get married in December than June. For one thing, the almost-Christmas weather is kinder to the brides all dressed in white.

Talking about brides, two years ago I wrote about a mother of 14 children living in Tondo who is in her mid-40’s and married to a mechanic on call, i.e., it’s not a regular or permanent job. With 42 meals each day to feed her children, where does “Lillibeth” find the time to be herself? No wonder, she looks 10 years older than her real age.

Mothers advise their daughters, “You cannot live on love alone.” Who listens to advice when they’re in love?