To All The Vampire Aficionados

"New Moon", the movie, is screening in most cinemas right now.

I did not catch this movie and I have no plan to do so. This article is therefore not intended to be a movie review.

"New Moon" is a fantasy film based on the novel of the same name by Stephenie Meyer. It is also the sequel to last year's "Twilight", also based on Meyer's previous novel of the same name.


Since its release on 20 Nov 09, "New Moon" has been sending box offices soaring. I have heard much critics about "Twilight" and I was expecting "New Moon" to be a flop. I have been so wrong.

The stories in "Twilight" and "New Moon" center around the romance between Edward Cullen (played by Robert Pattinson) and his human female friend, Belle Swan (played by Kristen Stewart). The fact that the main character Edward Cullen is a vampire has sent viewers around the world fantasizing about the undead.

This thing about vampire is really odd. Few believe it is anything real but millions never seem to get sick of it. Vampires are mythological beings who live on human blood. They are believed to be susceptible to garlic and light.

Similar legends exist across cultures and they have been around since the start of human history.


In the Chinese culture, the equivalent is probably the "Jiang Shi" (僵屍). Strictly speaking, "Jiang Shi" has a closer resemblance to zombies, rather than vampires. Just like its Western counterparts, the idea of "Jiang Shi" has inspired many Hong Kong made movies.

Regionally, the Malay culture has its equivalent of 'Pontianak' and the Indonesian, 'Matianak'. Over at the Philippines, they believe in the 'mandurugo' and the Japanese have their 'Nukekubi'. Similar folklores are also found in the American and African continents.

The vampires are indeed the true blue global citizens.


The story of 'modern vampires' began in the early 19th century, most notably in the story of 'Dracula'. Since then, the interest on 'modern vampire' blossomed and 'vampire-based' stories are used in movies, plays, novels and literature.

The vampire stories need not always be scary. In the 1980s, the popular movies "Fright Night" and "Fright Night II" sent their viewers roaring with laughter.

In the latest movies, it is hard to pin-point the success factor of "Twilight" and "New Moon". These movies may be the beneficiaries of the tried-and-tested 'vampire formula' or it could simply due to the appeal of Edward Cullen . *cough*


Whatever it is, it is not difficult to note the influence of 'vampire' in these two Edward Cullen movies. Last week, it was reported that the popularity of the movies has sent the sales of pale foundation soaring. Amazing! I can't wait to see all the pale faces walking around like zombies.

This whole craze about vampires make many want to know more about the old legend and what a vampire really is. If you are one of the curious ones, check out "How Vampires Work".

For the new parents who are so bitten by the vampire bug, you might consider one of the famous vampire names for your little ones.


If you are even wondering whether you are a vampire yourself, take the quiz of "Are you a vampire?". If the result of the test makes you truly believe that you are one or can become one, the "Temple of the Vampire" can help you discover your 'talent'. (This is sounding increasingly insane, I know)

Just as the popularity of "New Moon" is soaring, it was reported that, one of the main 'weapons' used in warding off vampires has also seen its prices shooting pass gold. In case you are wondering, I am referring to garlic.

Pure coincidence? Perhaps.

Alright, I shall stop here before it gets more bizarre.