Latest news with #Raphael
Cision Canada
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
The wait is over! Ragnarok Online América Latina is officially launched
Freely explore the lands of Midgard and join a series of events to celebrate this milestone SíO PAULO, Brazil, May 28, 2025 /CNW/ -- The moment fans have been eagerly waiting for has finally arrived. Gravity officially announced today (28) the launch of Ragnarok Online América Latina, now available for free to players across the nearly 20 Latin American countries. Still within the first few hours after the official launch, the game has been recording a significant number of users logging in. To help players make the most of this moment, Ragnarok Online América Latina is hosting a series of events to celebrate its official launch. Check out the main details below or visit the official website for complete information: Roulette Event From May 29 to June 12, 2025, players can spin the Roulette once for every 10,000 JoyCoins/JoyPoint spent between May 28 and June 11, with a chance to win one of the available prizes. Additionally, for every five days players engage with the Roulette event page on the official website, they'll earn an extra spin (up to 3 times). Daily Login Event Until June 25, 2025, players must register three hours of daily playtime to receive rewards. Some of the potential rewards include 10x [Event] Battle Manual, 20x Passport, 1x [Costume] Cabin Boy Cap, and 1x [Costume] Sailor Collar. Monthly Attendance Event Until June 25, 2025, players who log in every day during the event will receive a Gift Coupon that can be exchanged for a reward. Bonus EXP & Double Monster Spawn Scheduled for three time periods: May 28 to June 1, June 6 to 8, and June 13 to 15. During these windows, all the servers will feature a 100% experience bonus. Additionally, monster spawn rates will double on select strategic maps during May 28 to June 18. Be the First to Reach Level 175 Until June 25, players will compete to become the first to reach the max level in each class. The top three players per class will receive the following rewards respectively: [Costume] Valkyrie's Flight, [Costume] Raphael's Wings, and [Costume] Rachel's Wings. Additional rewards will also be distributed to the TOP 5 players in each class, except for expanded classes. The available content in Ragnarok Online América Latina goes up to Episode 14.2, granting players access to key features such as Bifrost Tower, Pyramid Nightmare Mode, Guild Wars, and more. "We are very excited to officially launch Ragnarok Online América Latina in the region. Gravity has always aimed to create content that resonates with its audience, and staying true to that value, we are introducing exclusive music, costumes, and—for the first time in the history of the Ragnarok franchise—multilingual support. All these changes were designed to enhance the user experience, and they are just the first step," said Brian Song, Gravity's Business Director. Since the announcement in March, the community has been reliving the nostalgia and preparing for this journey through various pre-launch activities, including pre-registration events, an Open Beta, and Gravity's presence at gamescom latam. Now, the gates of Midgard are open for adventurers to begin their story in this new era of Ragnarok Online. The Beginning: Pre-registration Events Over the past few months, a wide range of rewards were distributed to the community. In addition to instant prizes from pre-registration, players earned items by completing simple tasks like logging in daily, following official social media channels, and inviting friends. Veteran players from Ragnarok Online Brasil (BRO) by WarpPortal BR who pre-registered also received exclusive rewards during this period, in recognition of their long-standing journey with the game. Gravity's Presence in Brazil In early April, Gravity held a press conference with journalists, influencers, and industry partners to present its plans for Ragnarok Online in Latin America. The event featured COO Yoshinori Kitamura, who detailed expansion strategies for the region. Beyond the press event, Gravity also had a booth at gamescom latam dedicated to Ragnarok Online América Latina and Gunbound, offering interactive activations and distributing over 10,000 giveaways, including plushies, keychains, and collectibles. The event also featured a panel with Gravity LATAM's Business Director, Brian Song, titled " Gravity expands to Latin America with Ragnarok Online LATAM and the return of Gunbound." Massive Success of the Open Beta There's no doubt the Open Beta of Ragnarok Online América Latina was an overwhelming success in terms of numbers and community engagement. The response far exceeded expectations and revealed the strength and size of the Latin American player base. The testing period was also crucial for Gravity to gather player feedback and ensure a polished official release. Ragnarok: The Orchestra Concert in Brazil Tickets for Ragnarok : The Orchestra Concert sold out in just over a week, highlighting the massive interest in Ragnarok Online's special programming in Latin America. The success also demonstrates the deep connection players have with the iconic MMORPG soundtrack. Featuring arrangements and conduction by Maestra Sol Chin, and performed by the Villa Lobos Symphony Orchestra, the concert will take place in São Paulo on June 14, 2025, at 7:30 PM at Teatro Bradesco (R. Palestra Itália, 500, Perdizes). Ragnarok Online América Latina is a localized version of Ragnarok Online, directly operated by Gravity in Latin America. For the first time in the franchise's history, the game offers multi-language support in Portuguese, Spanish, and English, greatly improving player convenience. Additional servers were implemented to ensure a stable and seamless gameplay experience. Developed by Gravity, Ragnarok Online is a free-to-play MMORPG originally released in 2002 and active ever since. The game first launched in Brazil in 2004, offering a fantasy-themed world where players can freely explore, level up, complete challenges, and form strong bonds with others. Follow Ragnarok Online América Latina on its official channels on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Discord.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Talk Show Icon Sally Jessy Raphael's Private Collection to Star in Auction June 27-29
THOMASTON, Maine, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Thomaston Place Auction Galleries is pleased to present a highly anticipated Summer Auction, and a landmark three-day event taking place June 27–29. This culturally and historically significant sale will feature nearly 200 extraordinary treasures from the private collection of legendary television and radio star Sally Jessy Raphael. Unique, unusual, and eclectic, this fascinating collection reflects Raphael's discerning appreciation for art, design, and culturally significant objects. From elegant designer furnishings with storied provenance to charismatic paintings and rare, museum-quality artifacts sourced from around the globe—the private collection offers an intimate view into the life of one of America's most influential voices. Before her signature red glasses became an icon of popular culture, Sally Jessy Raphael was already a rising voice on radio, becoming a true pioneer of the audience-participation syndicated talk show. In the early 1980s, she launched the "Sally Jessy Raphael Show", becoming the first woman to achieve national prominence in the competitive talk show format—preceding Oprah Winfrey by three years. With fearless sincerity and an empathetic lens, the Sally Jessy Raphael Show captivated audiences for 21 groundbreaking years, exploring relationship dynamics, cultural controversies, and the full spectrum of the human experience. Beyond the camera and microphone, Sally Jessy Raphael's deep appreciation for the arts and spirit of discovery are presented with this remarkable collection. A lifelong collector, Raphael hand-picked an eclectic array of works—each piece reflecting her cosmopolitan taste, reverence for history, and enduring fascination with the stories objects can tell. "This collection is not only a tribute to Sally's trailblazing career in broadcasting, but also a celebration of her extensive taste and worldly curiosity," said Kaja Veilleux, Founder and Auctioneer at Thomaston Place Auction Galleries. "Each piece reflects her vibrant personality and her lifelong engagement with art, culture, and storytelling. We are deeply honored to have the opportunity to present this remarkable collection to the public." The Summer Splendor Auction is expected to draw strong interest from art collectors, design enthusiasts, fans of broadcast history, and pop culture enthusiasts. Highlights from the collection include: oil paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries by celebrated artists such as Lovis Corinth, Igor Melinkov, and Viggo Pedersen alongside a strong representation of works by other Danish artists; plus 18th and 19th century sculptures, including a striking Thai depiction of the deity Indra atop the elephant Erawan, a revered cultural symbol in Southeast Asia; plus elegant period furniture with historic provenance, such as a 19th century sofa gifted by the Norwegian ambassador, and a Replica Louis XIV Style Settee and Armchair pairing dual provenance—originally owned by composer-conductor Leonard Bernstein. Thoughtfully assembled and interwoven throughout the landmark 3-day event, Raphael's personal collection offers a rare look into the life, legacy, and eclectic curiosities of one of America's most beloved media personalities. Each piece tells a story—of a trailblazing woman whose passion for art, culture, and creativity continues to inspire. About Thomaston Place Auction Galleries Recognized among the most respected names in the auction industry—including Christie's, Sotheby's, Bonhams, and Phillips—Thomaston Place Auction Galleries is a trusted full-service auction house based in Thomaston, Maine. Specializing in fine art, antiques, jewelry, rare artifacts, and museum-quality pieces, the gallery is renowned for its expertly orchestrated auctions that attract a global audience of distinguished collectors. Rooted in a deep appreciation for history and presenting New England's most treasured estates to the world's finest collectors, Thomaston Place brings rare and meaningful works to market—expertly sourced from distinguished New England private collections. Through in-person, phone, absentee, and online bidding, the auction house connects discerning buyers worldwide with treasured pieces of the past—ensuring that the stories endure. Press ContactAll press inquiries may be submitted to pr@ Thomaston Place Auction Galleries PR Team 207-354-8141Website: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Thomaston Place Auction Galleries Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Excel Edu Centre ‘shellebrates' World Turtle Day
Excel Edu Centre in Brakpan joined nature lovers across the globe in celebrating World Turtle Day on Friday. This event, commemorated annually on May 23, is dedicated to raising awareness about the conservation and protection of turtles and tortoises, and their disappearing habitats. Raphael, the school's turtle, enjoyed some extra special pampering on the day. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Eurovision Song Contest Winner JJ Wants Israel Banned From 2026 Competition
The winner of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest is speaking out against the war in Gaza and Israel's inclusion in the global music event. JJ, who won the competition May 17, said in an interview published Thursday (May 22) that he would like to see Israel banned from next year's contest. 'It is very disappointing to see Israel still participating in the contest,' the singer told Spanish publication El Pais, according to Reuters. 'I would like the next Eurovision to be held in Vienna and without Israel.' More from Billboard JJ of Austria Wins Eurovision 2025 With 'Wasted Love' SZA Says She's 'Actually So Shocked' by the 'Bullying' Megan Thee Stallion Is Facing in Tory Lanez Shooting Case Karol G Lands First No. 1 on Hot Latin Pop Songs Chart With 'Milagros' Billboard has reached out to Eurovision Song Contest for comment. The global songwriting competition bills itself as 'a non-political event,' with its rules noting that participating broadcasters are expected to take any necessary steps to ensure that their delegations and teams 'safeguard the interests and the integrity of the ESC and to make sure that the ESC shall in no case be politicized and/or instrumentalized and/or otherwise brought into disrepute in any way.' JJ — a classically trained countertenor — won this year's event with his song 'Wasted Love,' which combines opera with techno. The artist born Johannes Pietsch is Austria's first winner since drag queen Conchita Wurst won in 2014. Snagging second place was Yuval Raphael of Israel, who earned the runner-up position with her 'New Day Will Rise' anthem and also won the viewers' votes in the finale. (When jury votes were taken into consideration, they put JJ in the No. 1 spot.) According to the Associated Press, while Raphael had much public support in the form of voting, she faced pro-Palestinian protests that called for Israel's ouster from the competition over the Israel-Hamas war. The current war started on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked several locations in Israel, including the Nova Music Festival near Gaza — which Raphael survived — killing about 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostage. Since then, the Israeli government's military campaign has killed more than 53,000 Palestinians in Gaza, Reuters reports. Raphael coming in second prompted some countries — including Spain, Ireland, Belgium and Iceland — to question the voting, with some requesting an audit, the BBC reported on Wednesday (May 21). Organizers have since said that the votes were independently verified. In his El Pais interview, JJ also said that the vote-counting system needs to change to better improve transparency, Reuters reported. 'It is important to emphasize that the voting operation for the Eurovision Song Contest is the most advanced in the world and each country's result is checked and verified by a huge team of people to exclude any suspicious or irregular voting patterns,' ESC's director Martin Green said in response to the questioning of the vote counts, according to the BBC. 'An independent compliance monitor reviews both jury and public vote data to ensure we have a valid result. … Our voting partner Once has confirmed that a valid vote was recorded in all countries participating in this year's Grand Final and in the Rest of the World.' The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is set to be held in Vienna, Austria. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Are votes for Eurovision 2025 'rigged'? Here's why countries are asking for audits
Image credits: Getty Images The Israel-Hamas war has caused distress and loss not only to the countries and their citizens but also to the lives and careers of people. In 2024, singer Eden Golan represented Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. However, the country's participation was called out for bans by human rights activists and countries to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) due to Israel's military operations in the Gaza Strip. Additionally, Golan's performance during the entire contest was met with booing. Now, in 2025, singer Yuval Raphael , who is also a survivor of the attacks that took place in the Nova music festival on October 7, 2023, is representing the country at the song contest. While Raphael's participation as well was met with backlash and a petition signed by former Eurovision contestants demanding a ban on Israel's participation, the singer, on the contrary, has been topping the voting charts. On Saturday, Raphael topped the viewer vote with her song 'New Day Will Rise' but finished second to Austria once the jury scores were also taken into account. After this revelation, broadcasters of the contest in Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Iceland and Finland have raised concerns and questions about the public vote, with some even asking for audits. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Semua yang Perlu Anda Ketahui Tentang Limfoma Limfoma Pelajari Undo Are votes for Eurovision 2025 rigged? Image credits: Getty Images The EBU dismissed any allegations of voter fraud in the contest but noted that it had received a number of such queries and that it "takes their concerns seriously" In a written statement, Eurovision director Martin Green emphasised "that the voting operation for the Eurovision Song Contest is the most advanced in the world and each country's result is checked and verified by a huge team of people to exclude any suspicious or irregular voting patterns. An independent compliance monitor reviews both jury and public vote data to ensure we have a valid result.' Green also quoted the contest's voting partner Once, writing that it had confirmed that a "valid vote" was recorded in all countries participating in this year's Grand Final and in the Rest of the World." While the contest has concluded with Austria's JJ winning for her song 'Wasted Love', Green has shared that he will be having a broad discussion with participating broadcasters to get feedback on all aspects of this year's event as part of the planning process for the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in 2026.
