Tanya Manalang

I’m a theater actress and singer. I first dove into the world of professional theater when I was 8 years old and it was a joyride from then on. Between the ages 16 and 21, I took a hiatus from perfoming to spend more time on my education. I bounced right back on to the world of performing as soon as I could officially put it down on my resume that I am, indeed, a college grad. *golf claps*

Being a communications and media arts student, I was exposed to an array of art forms. Traditional and digital art, photography, creative writing, and, yes, even performing. I was once an intern at a big advertising company in Manila – but, alas, I guess performing was my true calling.

I enjoy crafting artsy-fartsy things. I mean, seriously, whoever invented that software for digital scrapbooking probably never saw the kind of joy going analogue could bring. Toy-collecting is a hobby I can’t seem to give up and I know my wallet is silently protesting. I have a total headcount of 15 ball jointed dolls. Occasionally, I sew for them and write their stories. I am still in the process of learning how to take better pictures of them. I like graphic novels, some anime, and really pretty bags—MOVING ON!

I love to travel. I have crossed out some places on my bucketlist, much thanks to the two years I spent living in England and how the rest of Europe is so accessible from there. (Thank you, Miss Saigon.) I generally prefer beaches over mountains. I used to hate winter but now that I’m back living in a tropical country, I think I’m starting to miss it. It may sound superficial, but I reeeeaaaally did enjoy dressing up for fall.

There are 5 canine residents in my house: 4 of them are Jack Russells (Sasha, Oscar, Roger, Ringo). Then there’s Bruno – a big, hyperactive mutt/aspin/askal who’s frightened to bits by the sound of thunder. Sasha is my baby girl. You will probably hear a lot about Sasha in my blog. We love Sasha. Sasha FTW.