Ismael Gallaza Pantao

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Ismael Gallaza Pantao is a distinguished theatre practitioner, cultural worker and educator. Throughout his career, Ismael has devoted himself to the performing arts, significantly contributing to both local and international stages. Currently serving as a faculty member at Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges, Inc. in General Santos City, he imparts his expertise in Performing Arts and Culture & Arts Education to the next generation of artists. Beyond his academic role, Ismael has been an arts consultant at Notre Dame – Siena College of General Santos City since June 2016, providing invaluable guidance and expertise to the institution. An alumnus of Sining Kabpapagariya Ensemble and an active member of Kalimudan Culture and Arts Center, Inc. and inITIate PH, Ismael continues to be deeply involved in the cultural scene.

In 2009, Ismael performed in Romeo F. Narvaez’s Dula Ta, a widely celebrated theatre production that travelled to Cyprus and Israel. That same year, he received the prestigious General Santos City Youth Achiever’s Award in the Youth Excellence in Artistic Discipline Category. In 2012, Ismael played a lead role in the musical PAGARI: Brothers in Peace  - a retelling of the epic story of Mamalu and Tabunaway by MSU Sining Kabpapagariya Ensemble, directed by Prof. Romeo F. Narvaez. This play was funded by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts and toured to schools, colleges, and universities in General Santos City. In 2017, Ismael founded and directed Aral Di Munan (Dance of the Past): An Indigenous People Dance Showcase and Kadindang Sa Tademan (Dance of Memories): Moro Dance Showcase as part of the institutional events during the celebration of the Founding Anniversary & Kalilangan Festival of General Santos City. 

In 2023, Ismael assumed the position of Associate Director at the Cultural Center of the Philippines Ugnayan Sa Sining, overseeing groundbreaking productions such as Bun[A]l: Breaking New Ground for Mindanao, held at Holy Cross College of Davao City and Tagum City Hall Square. He is also a member of the Board of Adjudicators for the General Santos City Youth Achiever’s Award, an annual search to recognize young individuals who have shown excellence and made laudable works across various sectors.

He is currently pursuing a Master's in Culture and Arts Studies at Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology.

 

Read his Q&A here

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Recent work: 
1. Performer, The COVID Spirit (2024, Arts Center Stage, La Salle University, Ozamiz City)
2. Director and Performer, The Night Before the Wedding (2024, 18th Tanghal National University and Community-Based Theatre Festival)
3. Director, "Let's G Sa Bangin" and "Matahom"  (2024, 18th Tanghal National University and Community-Based Theatre Festival)
4. Performer, A Midsummer Night's Dream (2022, Esplanade Theatre Studio)
5. Performer, ASYLUM (2022, Theatre Studio - School of the Arts, Singapore)

Awards & Achievements: 
1. Sultan Kudarat Awardee for Culture and Arts, Concerned Muslim Individuals and Federation of Muslim Student Association, 2016
2. General Santos City Youth Achiever’s Award, Youth Excellence in Artistic Discipline Category, 2009

Last updated: 15 May 2024

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