The landmark modern gothic novel, Anne Rice’s “Interview with the Vampire” turned 50 this year. There’s been a flurry of gatherings, talks, and panels this month from Pasadena (at the Pasadena Presbyterian Church), to New York (New York Comic Con, the Strand, The National Arts Club) with a culmination in New Orleans. The Krewe of Boo dedicated a special float at the Halloween Parade last Saturday, and a screening of the 1994 “Interview with the Vampire” movie (with Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, and Kirsten Dunst) was held last Sunday. Tonight, there will be a special celebration at the 38th annual Anne Rice Vampire Ball and followed by a special book event at the Roussell Auditorium on Halloween. Often in the middle of this commemoration are authors Christopher Rice (Anne’s son), Leigh Bardugo and Eric Shaw Quinn. I had a celebration of my own chatting with Casey Copengco and Lynn Montejo of Anne Rice Philippines, about the first time they picked up a book from The Vampire Chronicles. Casey, who writes as CJ Edmunds, chanced upon “Interview with the Vampire” at the National Bookstore in Virra Mall in 1993. He recalls, “It was the blue Ballantine book with a plantation house on the cover, and it will always be my favorite edition. While my original got worn out, I had to buy a newer copy that later turned yellow. The book then was priced at P131!” “I was expecting more horror, but I didn’t expect it to be something more, something profound that would have a lasting impression and impact on me both as a reader, and as a writer.” “I would love for my work to be a reflection of my love and appreciation for Anne, and if it in turn can inspire a reader to write their own story, then so much the better. We all add to the endless cycle of reading and publishing.” Lynn got her hands on “Memnoch the Devil” (book five) in 1997. She says, “I had begun questioning many aspects of my spirituality and the book found me at the exactly the right moment. I was 17. I didn’t read The Vampire Chronicles in order, mostly because I was buying used or discounted copies and reading whatever I could get my hands on. “Oddly enough, I was never confused by reading the books out of order. It felt like listening to different relatives tell the same family story from their own perspectives, each revealing new details and contradictions along the way.” I can attest to this. Lynn adores how Rice “blended meticulous historical research with supernatural fiction so seamlessly. I love the rich, intricate details that create vivid mental images.” And as Casey would chime in, apart from images, they evoke feelings as well. Leigh Bardugo would agree, in her introduction to the beautiful 50th anniversary edition of book, she talks about how Rice’s vampire stories are “firmly rooted in history,” that Rice has a “mastery of atmosphere,” and beyond that “she wrestles with the moral questions posed by immortality in such deeply human ways.” Rice has achieved a thrilling, enduring work with one foot in the sexy, decadent, lush and another in the philosophical, theological, spiritual and historical. And yes, we all think she’s much more awesome than JK Rowling. Casey will be at the first AuthorCon on November 28 and 29 at the NBS Park in Mandaluyong. The 1994 “Interview with the Vampire” movie is available on HBO Max, and the three seasons of the ongoing “Interview with the Vampire” series is on Netflix. The book is also out there, waiting for you.