If you bought any of the Star Wars running sneakers that came out in late 2019, this is the perfect time to put them to use and “Run with The Force” with Southeast Asia’s first-ever Star Wars virtual run.

The run is happening on Star Wars day, May 4 — a date derived from the iconic phrase “May the Force Be With You.” Registration is now open and interested participants can clock-in their run distance. Upon registration, you will be prompted to choose either the light side or the dark side. Runners may run on run on treadmills or any running path they choose.

This run is made possible in collaboration with Social Fitness app LIV3LY. The Star Wars Virtual Run is open to runners from the Philippines, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Runners may opt to run solo in the 5.4km (Individual) or pair up with a friend in the 40km (Individual or Group of Two) where the distances can be completed all at once or over a period of time.

The distance needs to be completed by May 31, 2020 in order to be eligible for the Finisher Trophies. Finishers of the 40km distance will receive an additional The Empire Strikes Back 40th Anniversary Trophy.

Registration can be done through the MOVE by LIV3LY app. Participants will have to activate the MOVE Run Tracker in the app before they are able record their distances from May 4 to 31.

Limited edition merchandise will also be available for purchase through the app including a Star Wars Pass Holder and a Mobile Phone Stand. The merchandise on sale will be exclusive to Southeast Asia and available in limited quantity only. The Finisher Trophy and any purchased merchandise will be sent to the registered address of the participants upon completion and verification by LIV3LY

For most of us, a printer is essential when it comes to handling documents and photos. HP’s Ink Tank all-in-one printers fit the bill when it comes to bulk printing of documents. Plus, the ubiquity of HP inks ensures that you can easily find a refill and print again.

Those looking to buy a new HP Ink Tank printer may have to consider some models since they are currently discounted until April 30. HP just lowered the prices of these models by PhP 500:

• Ink Tank 310 All-in-One (AIO) — PhP 6,290
• Ink Tank 315 AIO — PhP 6,790
• Ink Tank Wireless 415 AIO — PhP 8,290

These printers come with a spill-free ink tank system that can produce up to 8,000 colored images with a full tri-color bottle set, and up to 6,000 black-and-white documents with HP’s black ink bottle.

Meanwhile, both Ink Tank 315 and Ink Tank Wireless 415 feature a scan and copy function for scanning on the go. You can also scan files and photos while a document is printing.

Those who want to experience wireless printing may opt for the Ink Tank Wireless 415. By using HP’s Smart or ePrint app, you can print anywhere, anytime. Plus, you don’t have to deal with cables just to print a simple document.

To know more about these printers, you can visit HP’s website or any authorized reseller nationwide.

There was a point in my life when adulting hit me hard: my romantic relationship suddenly ended, which coincided with my resignation from my full-time job of three years. The thing is, I had a plan before everything happened, but life is indeed full of unexpected moments.

I decided to take a rest first to clear my overwhelmed mind. I ended up doing what most young adults like me would do: travelled to different places, went out with friends, volunteered for several causes, and spoiled myself with my favorite things and experiences — everything that involved doing what I love and seizing life’s great moments.

I was busy indulging myself in this idea of “self-love” until I realized that my bank account was draining every single week, and I was close to maxing out my credit card limit. That’s when it hit me: I wasn’t financially prepared to sustain this kind of lifestyle. 

Self-love is more than just showering yourself with pretty things

We all have this idea that “self-love” is about indulging in life’s best comforts, and doing whatever sets our soul on fire. Newsflash: real life is much trickier than these scenarios we see in rom-com films.

For me, I had to take more extra work to do these things I love, while still being able to pay bills. I regretted not being able to save up more and use my money wisely. I eventually found myself living life from paycheck to paycheck, and I realized that this is not the life I wanted to live. I couldn’t fully enjoy life’s moments, since my financial restrictions were always at the back of my mind. 

I have come to understand the real concept of self-love — that it is actually about creating a life that is prepared for whatever life’s challenges throw at us. Instead of treating ourselves to short-lived thrills, it’s much better to manage our finances first so we’re always ready for the next big thing. Being smart with our finances is indeed a great form of self-care. 

Seize life’s moments by being financially fit

CIMB Bank, the “Best Digital Bank” in the Philippines is a great choice for people like me who want to save up for life’s next moments. The best thing about it is I can open an account seamlessly in just 10 minutes — no need to personally enroll in a branch and wait for weeks to secure an account. No wonder they have been recently awarded as the “Fastest Growing Digital Bank” as well.

Through the CIMB Bank PH mobile app (iOS/ Android), managing and accessing my money is also much easier compared to other banks. They offer great perks and services such as transacting with other banks for free, withdrawing in over 25,000 ATM machines nationwide without penalty charges via Visa pay, wave debit card, and not be bothered by maintaining balances.

I can also access my cash 24/7 in just a few taps, and it’s connected to other local payment gateways I frequently use like GCash and dragonpay, so it greatly fits my flexible lifestyle.

True to its commitment to helping Filipinos achieve financial inclusion and freedom, this all-digital, mobile-first bank offers an interest rate of four percent (4%) per annum available all year round, with no restrictions, via its UpSave account offering. It’s the best-in-market savings rate, which makes me save more money without worrying about security. They also offer up to Php 2 million worth of life insurance coverage!

With CIMB Bank, I can track my savings easily and invest my money in experiences that will allow me to feed my passions. When the time comes that life throws more unexpected moments, I know I’m financially secured to handle it. And that is one of the best forms of love I can give to myself.

To know more about CIMB Bank PH, click here.

This feature was produced in collaboration with Her GadgetMatch and CIMB Philippines.