#PinoyInMelbourneStory: Anna Manuel

Anna Manuel, a storyteller at Heads & Tales, says starting out in a country can be tough. She really had to go out and meet people and reached out to others who might be interested in her line of work.

Anna Manuel at Yarra Libraries

Anna Manuel in one of her reading workshops Source: Supplied by A.Manuel

I started out as a reading teacher in Manila. After 12 years in the teaching profession, I wanted to do something else. I love to read and perform stories. So I decided to be a storyteller.
The Storytelling Project Philippines, 2017
Teacher Anna engages children with reading and storytelling. Source: Heads and Tales website
I visited Melbourne in 2016 and learned how much value they have for creative programs for kids. Sounds like my kind of place!

When I first got here, I navigated the city through the places I like best - the libraries. Then I ventured out to explore art spaces where they offer children’s programs.

Another challenge was, being new in a country, nobody really knows me and what I do, so I really had to go out and meet people and reached out to organizations who might be interested in my line of work. Here I am, after one year, I’ve performed in several libraries, schools, and events, ran workshops for children, and I’ve also published my first children’s picture book!
The new friends I have here are truly inspiring. They do what they love and create opportunities for social change. Knowing that although we call Melbourne “home,” the things we are doing are going to impact the future of this world.

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2 min read
Published 28 August 2018 12:15pm
Updated 28 August 2018 2:54pm


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