Anna Manuel is a children's storyteller, educator and writer with over two decades of experience celebrating cultural narratives through the arts.

Born and raised in the Philippines, Anna’s storytelling reflects her rich heritage and her commitment to amplifying diverse voices. Her work has been featured on Filipino and Australian TV and radio, as well as at international conferences and festivals spanning Australia, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, India, Brazil and the United States.

Anna’s storytelling approach combines warmth, creativity and cultural authenticity. She specialises in innovative techniques like string stories, paper folding, body percussion, and kamishibai (Japanese paper theatre), which engage audiences of all ages. Her passion for storytelling as a tool for connection and education shines in her collaborations with libraries, schools and community groups, where she encourages the use of stories to promote literacy and celebrate home languages.

Anna brings a unique perspective shaped by her background in education, performing arts and multilingualism. She advocates for authentic storytelling by cultural communities, valuing stories as bridges to understanding and mutual respect.