Here’s some good news for those who haven’t pulled the trigger on Sony’s latest VR headset. The PlayStation VR2 is on sale for $350 as part of a Black Friday deal, and it’s a bundle that includes the critically-acclaimed spin-off Horizon Call of the Mountain . This is a record low price for the headset, and that’s without a game that normally costs $60. In other words, this is one heck of a great deal. Sony PlayStation VR2 Call of the Mountain Bundle $350 $550 Save $200 This is a record low price for the headset and comes with a game. $350 at Amazon We enjoyed this headset and gave it high marks in our official review . The OLED displays are excellent, so the graphics are on point. The headset’s fit is comfortable and it includes built-in haptics for increased immersion. Haptics for your head? That’s a pretty novel concept. The headset also includes eye tracking technology and ships with two dedicated controllers, one for each hand. The company’s Sense controllers are eerily similar to Meta Quest controllers, with a large tracking ring, analog sticks, face buttons, triggers and grip buttons. As for Horizon Call of the Mountain , it’s a new entry in the beloved Horizon franchise, only in VR. There’s a whole lot of climbing, as indicated by the title, but also a refined bow and arrow mechanic that feels just right in virtual space. We hesitated to recommend this headset to everyone at its original price of $550, but it’s a no-brainer at $350. This deal is also available through Sony , if Amazon isn’t your bag. So what’s the catch? There’s only one. This isn’t a standalone headset. It requires a PS5 to work, though Sony did recently release an adapter that lets it connect to a PC . Check out all of the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals here.MANILA, Philippines – It’s unfortunate that business and entrepreneurship awards don’t get as much attention as beauty contest winners in the Philippines. Builders, including leaders of conglomerates that employ thousands of people, play a key role in driving the country’s socio-economic growth and progress. Two Filipino corporate leaders were recognized by two regional award-giving bodies this week, a testament to how they have influenced not just the Philippines but the Asian region as well. Lance Gokongwei, president and CEO of Philippine conglomerate JG Summit Holdings, received the honorary Ernst & Young (EY)-Bank of Singapore ASEAN Entrepreneurial Excellence Award on November 18, Monday, in Singapore. Congratulations to Mr. Lance Y. Gokongwei, President and CEO of JG Summit Holdings, Inc., who is named the winner of this year’s EY-Bank of Singapore Asean Entrepreneurial Excellence award. #EYEOYSG #Entrepreneurship pic.twitter.com/PCNQUXW2GH — EY Singapore (@EY_Singapore) September 25, 2024 The 58-year-old son of the late Filipino industrialist John Gokongwei, who has Bachelor degrees in Finance and Applied Science from University of Pennsylvania, was cited for his contributions to the Southeast Asian business and economic landscape. “As a second-generation entrepreneur, Lance started with the company as a junior salesperson and worked his way up to eventually steer his father’s company into a flourishing new phase of growth and success. JG Summit Holdings now has a dynamic portfolio in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, spanning sectors including food and retail, aviation, real estate, energy, financial services and telecommunications. His impact can be seen in his contributions to national progress by advancing quality education for the future workforce while transforming the lives of fellow countrymen,” said Liew Nam Soon, EY Asean Regional Managing Partner and Singapore and Brunei Managing Partner, Ernst & Young Solutions LLP. JG Summit, in a press release, said Gokongwei was recognized for his role in advancing the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), an overarching goal of the regional organization seeking to integrate all 10 economies of its member-states. The regional operations of JG Summit’s subsidiaries — Universal Robina Corporation (URC) and Cebu Pacific (CEB) — were keys to Gokongwei getting the recognition. “JG Summit has successfully broadened its presence throughout ASEAN. URC has established operations in major markets including Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Myanmar, and Vietnam, providing products that cater to the diverse needs of consumers across the region. Similarly, Cebu Pacific, one of the Philippines’ leading airlines, contributed to regional connectivity, with flights spanning Southeast Asia, driving tourism, trade, and mobility,” JG Summit said. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cebu Pacific Air (@cebupacificair) “His focus on innovation, inclusive growth, and sustainability has helped position the company as a key driver of economic progress across Southeast Asia,” EY-Bank of Singapore said in a release. In his speech accepting the award, Gokongwei said: “I am grateful and honored to receive this year’s EY Asean Entrepreneurial Excellence Award. This recognition inspires me to continue leading with a deep sense of purpose, and to be a good steward of the business that has been entrusted to me. This award wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my Gokongwei Group colleagues who bring to life our purpose — an unrelenting commitment to provide our customers with better choices, creating shared success with our stakeholders — every single day.” Must Read ‘He had to give back to society’: Why John Gokongwei donated billions to education The Gokongwei Group is one of the Philippines’ largest and most diversified conglomerates. It has interests in food (URC), air transport (Cebu Pacific), real estate (Robinsons Land), petrochemicals (JG Summit Petrochemical), retail (Robinsons Retail), financial services (GoTyme Bank), media (Summit Media), among others. The EY Asean Entrepreneurial Excellence (AEE) award was established in 2015. It honors business leaders who inspire excellence across industries. It is presented by professional services organization EY and the Bank of Singapore. Eminent leader in Asia SM Prime Holdings Corporation president Jeffrey Lim received the Eminent Leader in Asia Award at the 2024 Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability (ACES) Awards held in Bangkok, Thailand on November 14. EMINENT. SM Prime President Jeffrey Lim (2nd left) receives the Eminent Leader in Asia Award in Bangkok, Thailand, November 14, 2024 Lim, a Certified Public Accountant who finished his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of the East, took the helm of SM Prime in October 2016 as president. He has been with SM Prime since it was founded in 1994 or 30 years ago. He was appointed SM Prime president in 2016, the first non-member of the Sy family to hold the top post. He played a key role in the consolidation in 2013 of all property units of the SM Group into SM Prime, creating the largest property company in the Philippines. “For Lim, true leadership is rooted in a steadfast commitment to collective success rather than personal recognition. He believes the best leaders elevate those around them, fostering collaboration and driving the organization forward with a shared sense of purpose. Lim views leadership as less about commanding and more about listening, understanding and empowering. He strives to create a work environment where each employee feels valued and respected. While focused on achieving outstanding business results, he equally prioritizes a culture that supports well-being and self-care for his team,” the ACES citation said. “Lim’s approach to sustainability extends well beyond regulatory compliance, embedding environmental stewardship at the core of SM Prime’s operations. He advocates for responsible business practices that maximize resource efficiency while carefully managing the ecological balance,” it added. The ACES Awards is organized by the MORS Group, a research-based consulting and training organization. Its goal is to “understand the dynamics of Asia” and to help “propel Asia towards sustainable growth.” It operates the think tank ACES Institute, which produces research seeking to influence government policies. The MORS Group says the Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability Awards, which started in 2014, is the “longest-running and most recognised Corporate Leadership and Sustainability awards in Southeast Asia.” It says the ACES presents “the stellar leadership abilities of key management personnel over a range of industries, market sectors and nations, as well as presenting non-biased audits on the environmental and social initiatives undertaken by corporations.” The ACES awards also serve as a “platform” for knowledge sharing, mentoring, networking, and showcasing best practices. “This recognition belongs to the entire SM Prime team,” Lim said in his acceptance speech. “Their dedication and hard work have built the company into the success story it is today.” SM Prime said Lim has been instrumental in the company’s transformation from a Philippine mall operator to one of Southeast Asia’s leading integrated property developers. “His focus on sustainable development has enabled the company to create thriving spaces that contribute to the economic and social well-being of communities across the Philippines,” SM Prime said. At least two other Filipinos have also been recognized by ACES: Dr. Andrew Tan, chair and president of Megaworld, won ACES Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2022, and Vivian Que-Azcona, president of Mercury Drug Corporation, was Woman Entrepreneur of the Year in 2021 Corporate governance award Meantime, in the local scene, SM Prime Executive Committee Chairman Hans Sy, one of the sons of the late SM founder Henry Sy Sr., was conferred the title of Honorary Fellow by the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD) Philippines on November 18, Monday. ICD Philippines is a non-stock, non-profit association that promotes good corporate governance via in person and online courses. It was founded by former Finance Secretary Jesus Estanislao, now its chairman emeritus. “Good corporate governance is critical to a country’s global competitiveness and has been shown to have a direct correlation with corporate profitability and growth. Government and regulators require it. Companies of all sizes need it,” says ICD Philippines of its advocacy. The ICD’s Honorary Fellow title is the highest distinction given by the group. It is awarded after a rigorous selection process of individuals who have made exceptional contributions to promoting good corporate governance. “Mr. Sy’s journey is a testament to the impact that visionary leadership and unwavering commitment can have on industries and communities alike,” said ICD Trustee Tomasa Lipana. “His work inspires not only success but also defines purpose — reminding us that true leadership is about leaving a meaningful legacy to the country and to the world.” In accepting the title, Sy said: “As public companies, our responsibilities extend beyond profit. We owe it to our stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of transparency, accountability and ethical leadership.” He also stressed the Sy family’s adherence to values not just as obligations but as guiding principles. “This ensures we lead with purpose, grow responsibly and create a positive social impact,” he added. SM Prime, in a press release, said: “The recognition highlights his significant contributions to corporate governance, sustainability, disaster resilience and education, alongside his efforts to advance best practices within the private sector.” – Rappler.com
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Farmers in Komaram Bheem Asifabad district, including from the Adivasi communities, are showing increasing interest in cultivating apples in the mandals of Kerameri, Wankidi, Tiryani, and Sirpur (U), thanks to the district’s favourable climate. Dubbed the "Kashmir of Telangana," the old Adilabad region experience cold weather during winter that supports the growth of apples. Apple trees require cold temperatures for sapling growth and flowering. Once flowering begins, it takes approximately 120 days for the apples to mature. Pruning typically starts in December, and the harvest begins in May. The first crop of apples in Dhanora village, Kerameri mandal, is notable for its sweetness and vibrant red colour, drawing significant attention. Minimum temperature in the region drops to 3oC in December and remains below 6oC for many nights until February. In December 2017, Kerameri recorded 2.5oC. A scientist from the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) stated that the weather and soil in Kerameri mandal are well-suited for apple farming. The area's natural features, including hillocks, forests, and perennial streams, further enhance its potential. Farmers are eager to explore apple cultivation if the state government provides support, including the free distribution of saplings. Currently, apple saplings, costing around ₹300 each, are sourced from Kashmir. Some progressive farmers already succeeded in growing apple orchards. A farmer belonging to the backward community in Dhanora, Kendre Balaji, was recognised with the Farm Innovation Award by the ICAR-Agriculture Technology Application Research Institute, Hyderabad, in 2018. Balaji first planted 10 apple saplings in 2014, purchasing them for ₹50 each through an friend who was in the Army. The plants have now reached the flowering stage. Balaji shared that CCMB scientists Veerabadhrarao and Ramesh Agarwal tested the soil in his fields and confirmed its suitability for apple cultivation. Since 2015, Balaji has planted 450 hybrid Hariman-99 apple trees, provided free of cost by CCMB, Hyderabad. The institute distributed a total of 4,000 apple saplings to interested farmers in the region. However, Balaji noted that apple plants' growth is hindered when intercropped with other plants. While he has harvested apples weighing around 150 grams, the ideal weight for commercial sale is approximately 200 grams. An Adivasi farmer from Dhanora named Sidam Mahadu has cultivated 50 apple plants. Mahadu stated that many farmers are now willing to raise apple orchards if the government supplies free saplings and provides technical support.When the Magic selected Tristan da Silva No. 18 overall in June’s draft, the move wasn’t that surprising. Despite his age — at 23, he entered his rookie season older than Franz Wagner , Paolo Banchero , Caleb Houstan and Orlando ‘s lottery picks from last year, Anthony Black and Jett Howard — the Colorado Buffalo star checked critical boxes for team president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman and the front office. A lengthy prospect at 6-8 with a 6-10 wingspan who provided versatility on both ends and could shoot well from distance (39.5% as a senior in college), da Silva fit the Magic mold. But where would he fit on the court? There wasn’t a clear or obvious pathway to him seeing consistent time as a rookie as part of an already young roster that looked to balance winning and player development while returning to the playoffs. But as is the case in life, things don’t always go to plan in the NBA, either. So when Banchero suffered a torn right abdominal muscle that sidelined him indefinitely at the end of October, da Silva was ready for the moment. Similar to Black stepping into Orlando’s starting lineup in the sixth game last season for the injured Markelle Fultz (no longer with the team), da Silva was inserted into coach Jamahl Mosley’s starting group by the seventh contest. Since then, he’s made 10 consecutive starts, marking 11 total of his 13 appearances. In that stretch as a starter, he’s averaged 7.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 27.5 minutes. He’s also recorded at least one steal three times and two-or-more steals once alongside at least one block twice and two-or-more blocks once. “He’s a player,” veteran Gary Harris recently told the Sentinel about da Silva. “He’s smart. He understands where he’s supposed to be. He works hard. It’s just a testament to who he is. He was drafted for a reason.” How Franz Wagner shined bright for Magic to cap road trip with rare win at Lakers Although he’s not scoring at a high level (he’s only reached double figures four times), that’s not what he’s been asked to do. That’s what Wagner, Suggs, Black and others are for. For da Silva, he’s provided consistent minutes as a playmaker, dishing assists to cutting teammates and rebounding with effort. More importantly, he hasn’t made many mistakes, averaging just 0.5 turnovers. His 3.57 assist-to-turnover ratio led all rookies who had played at least 11 games entering Saturday night’s contest against the Pistons. And compared to the rest of the rookie class, da Silva has played above his means given where he was drafted — outside the draft lottery (top 14 picks). During his last 11 starts, the No. 18 pick averaged the sixth-most minutes, the 10th-most assists, and the 11th-most rebounds among all rookies, according to NBA.com . The Magic forward’s plus-5.3 net rating (Orlando’s point differential per 100 possessions while he’s on court) was fourth-best compared to other rookies who have played in at least 11 games. Of those 26 players, da Silva was one of just eight with a positive net rating heading into Saturday’s slate. When Banchero eventually returns , Mosley will have to once again configure his rotations, and that could mean limited action for da Silva. Before Banchero’s injury, da Silva had played just 5 minutes of garbage time on opening night and hadn’t seen action in Orlando’s other four games. Until Banchero gets back, the rookie will aim to do what he does best — the little things that add up in a major way. Jason Beede can be reached at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com Up next ... Magic at Hornets When: 7, Monday, Spectrum Center TV: FanDuel Sports Network Florida
Universal has revealed that Christopher Nolan’s next film will adapt the Greek epic The Odyssey as an “action epic.” Universal Pictures announced on Twitter on Monday that Nolan’s next film, his first since Oppenheimer , will adapt the classic story attributed to Homer as a “mythic action epic.” The studio wrote: “Christopher Nolan’s next film The Odyssey is a mythic action epic shot across the world using brand new IMAX film technology. The film brings Homer’s foundational saga to IMAX film screens for the first time and opens in theaters everywhere on July 17, 2026.” The film is set to star Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong’o, Charlize Theron, and Robert Pattinson, with a production start date set for early 2025 and a July 17th, 2026 release date set. It is not yet known which role each of the actors will play. The Odyssey is one of the most famous Greek epics and tells the story of Odysseus as he attempts to journey home after the Trojan War. Along the way, Odysseus and his crew encounter a number of mythical creatures including the Cyclops, Sirens, the sorceress Circe, the monster Scylla and the whirlpool Charybdis, and many other obstacles during the 10-year journey. The poem is one of the oldest works of literature still widely read by modern audiences. Oppenheimer was Nolan’s first film under his deal with Universal and was a massive critical and commercial hit with $976.8 million worldwide and seven Academy Award wins including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (Cillian Murphy), and Best Supporting Actor (Robert Downey Jr).
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