Manalo was based in Manila for eighteen years before getting her first foreign assignment. She was the Philippine Permanent Delegate to the UNESCO from 1990 to 1994, and the European Economic Community from 1979 to 1987.
Manalo spent eighteen years in Manila before taking up her first international role. She was a prominent figure at UNESCO from 1990 to 1994 and worked with the European Economic Community from 1979 to 1987.