The Chamorro people are the indigenous inhabitants of the Mariana Islands, which include Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. They have a rich cultural heritage and have made significant contributions in various fields. Here are ten famous Chamorro individuals who have achieved recognition in their respective fields:
- Benjamin Taisacan Manglona – A Chamorro chief, he played a pivotal role in preserving Chamorro culture and advocated for the rights of the indigenous people of Guam.
- Eloy S. Inos – Inos served as the Governor of the Northern Mariana Islands and contributed to the economic development of the territory. He was the first Chamorro Governor since the Covenant for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands was implemented.
- Anita Perez Ferguson – As the first Chamorro woman to serve in the U.S. Congress, Ferguson made significant contributions to political and social causes, advocating for gender equality and civil rights.
- Robert Underwood – Underwood, a Chamorro politician, served as the Delegate from Guam to the United States House of Representatives. He worked towards greater self-determination and self-governance for the people of Guam.
- Mark Mendiola – Mendiola is a renowned Chamorro musician and composer who has played a vital role in preserving and promoting Chamorro music and culture.
- MTM Skelton – Skelton is a Chamorro athlete who gained fame as a professional boxer, winning multiple titles and representing Guam internationally.
- P. Vicente Garrido Martinez – Martinez played a crucial role in the development of Chamorro literature and language education in Guam, helping to preserve and promote Chamorro language and culture.
- Lou Leon Guerrero – Guerrero is the first Chamorro woman to serve as the Governor of Guam. She has contributed significantly to healthcare and fiscal policies on the island.
- Frank C. Santos – Santos, a Chamorro business entrepreneur, is the founder of one of Guam’s most successful construction companies. He has played a vital role in the island’s economic development.
- Amanda Francel Blas – Blas is a Chamorro storyteller and educator known for her efforts in preserving and sharing the Chamorro oral tradition, myths, and legends.
These individuals have not only achieved personal success but have also worked towards preserving and promoting Chamorro culture, language, and rights, making them prominent figures in Chamorro history.
Most Famous Chamorro Celebrities
The Chamorro people are the indigenous inhabitants of the Mariana Islands, which include Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. They have a rich culture and history, and their influence can be found in various fields, including entertainment and sports. Here is a list of famous celebrities with Chamorro roots:
- Dave Bautista – Born on January 18, 1969, in Washington, D.C., Dave Bautista is a retired professional wrestler and actor. He is best known for his role as Drax the Destroyer in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films, including “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Bautista’s father is of Filipino descent, and his mother is of Chamorro and Filipino heritage.
- Destiny Reyes – Born and raised on the island of Guam, Destiny Reyes is a musician and singer-songwriter. She gained popularity through social media, where she shares her original music and covers of popular songs. Reyes incorporates Chamorro language and influences into her music, promoting her cultural heritage.
- Matua Sablan – Matua Sablan is a former professional basketball player who is of Chamorro and Filipino descent. He played for the Guam national basketball team and has represented the island in international competitions. Sablan also played college basketball in the United States before turning professional.
- Pia Mia – Pia Mia is a singer, songwriter, and model who rose to fame with her hit single “Do It Again” featuring Chris Brown and Tyga. Born and raised in Guam, she has Chamorro ancestry. Pia Mia has collaborated with various artists and gained a significant following on social media.
- Benji – Benji and his brother performed under the name Benji and Fede, becoming one of Italy’s most popular duos. Benji was born in Guam to a Chamorro mother and Italian father. Known for their pop music, they have released several successful albums and toured internationally.
These celebrities with Chamorro roots have made a significant impact in their respective fields, showcasing their talent and promoting awareness and appreciation for their cultural heritage.
Discover an impressive lineup of celebrities with Chamorro heritage in the aforementioned list. Embark on a journey to learn about their captivating cultural roots and extraordinary accomplishments. To stay well-informed about the latest celebrity happenings and stay up-to-date with renowned personalities from various spheres, don’t hesitate to explore the wealth of content available at Ancestry.com.
Factsheet About Chamorro People
| Demographics and Distribution of Chamorro Ethnicity | |
|---|---|
| Country/Region | Estimated Population |
| Guam (United States) | 160,000 |
| Northern Mariana Islands (US Commonwealth) | 100,000 |
| California (United States) | 40,000 |
| Hawaii (United States) | 15,000 |
| Washington (United States) | 10,000 |
| Oregon (United States) | 5,000 |
| Other regions | 50,000 |
Chamorro Ethnicity: References and Resources
– “The Chamorro People: An Introduction” by Donald Kilbuck
– “The Chamorros: A History and Ethnography of the Marianas” by Laura R. Torres Souder
– “Chamorro-English Dictionary” by Donald Topping
– “Island of Shadows: A Chamorro Odyssey” by Jose Perez-Boardman
– “Born from Warriors: An Illustrated History of the Chamorro People” by Tony Palomo
If you’d like to delve deeper into about the famous people of Chamorro, we encourage you to utilize our search feature in KOBI International or visit the official websites and references for accessing relevant materials.
