‘May the Fourth’ be with you

“Star Wars”creator George Lucas poses with characters from the movies “Star Wars” during the opening ceremony of the “Sandcrawler” building, Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014 in Singapore. AP FILE PHOTO

R2D2, Darth Vader and the Stormtroopers turned up at The Plaza of Newport Mall at Resorts World to celebrate Global Star Wars Day—actually, two days, May 3 and 4—dubbed “May the Fourth.”

The event started with a 501st Legion Parade, followed by photo ops for mall promenaders with “Star Wars” characters. It concluded with a turnover ceremony of donations for a children’s charity. Various “Star Wars” memorabilia were exhibited at the Resorts World ground floor lobby.

Several fans, kids and grownups alike, joined the celebration dressed up as their favorite “Star Wars” characters.

The six live-action movies of the saga debuted in May, starting with the original “Star Wars: A New Hope” on May 25, 1977.

Principal photography on “Star Wars: Episode VII” will commence this month. Writer-director George Lucas’ birth anniversary is May 14.

A tradition

The month of May has been the traditional opening month of the popular “Star Wars Weekends” at Walt Disney World Resort.

“May the Fourth” was spearheaded by the Philippine division of 501st Legion, an international organization of “

” fans who dress up as the villains from the movies.

Members wear their costumes at special events to raise funds for charity, especially those undertakings that promote children’s causes.