Honorable Brian Jess Terlaje

Brian Jess Cepeda Terlaje (BJ) was born on August 22, 1981, to the late Jesse Toves Terlaje and Rosemarie Cepeda Terlaje from Yoña, Guam. He is the eldest of two sons. BJ graduated from Notre Dame Catholic School in 1999 and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Pacific Asian Studies from the University of Guam. He is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Administration.

With a passion for his community and culture, BJ founded Hui Ohana, a dance group focused on Hawaiian and Tahitian dances, in 1999. By 2000, the group joined Natibu Cultural Dance Academy, becoming Mane’lon Natibu Cultural Dance Group. In 2006, the group transformed into Rasan Acho’ Latte, focusing on CHamoru cultural preservation under the mentorship of Saina Frank Rabon. BJ was honored with the title of Fafa’na’gue (Traditional Teacher of CHamoru Arts) in 2008 and later recognized as a Saina (elder), a title reserved for highly respected individuals in the CHamoru tradition.

BJ began teaching CHamoru language and cultural arts in 2004 at Oceanview Middle School. His efforts shifted from Polynesian to CHamoru traditions, emphasizing dance, weaving, chants, and songs. He expanded his cultural mission by creating community-based dance groups in Agat and Santa Rita, teaching cultural preservation through the arts.

In 2010, BJ served as Project Manager for the CHamoru Language through Chants and Songs (CLCS) project under Pa’a Taotao Tano’, now known as PIPIT. He also worked as a group leader for the Pa’a Americorps program, promoting the protection of Guam’s indigenous culture.

Returning to teaching in 2012, BJ became the only CHamoru Traditional Arts teacher at John F. Kennedy High School. Over 13 years, he fostered sister-school and sister-city partnerships with communities in Japan, the Philippines, and the U.S., collaborating with the Guam Visitors’ Bureau to promote Guam’s culture globally.

In 2015, BJ received the KUAM Careforce A’adahen I Kottura award for his dedication to preserving the CHamoru language and culture. That same year, he helped establish the CHamoru Cultural Dance Tribal Council (‘I Manfafa’na’guen Bailan CHamoru’) to guide and support CHamoru arts and traditions.

BJ remains an active cultural advocate. He serves as a singer in the St. Francis Catholic Church choir, a prayer leader (techa), and a choreographer for the Miss Earth Guam pageant, a role he has held for over 20 years. Additionally, he has served as Youth Chairman for the Yoña Parish Council and a member of the Yoña Municipal Planning Council.

BJ’s dedication to cultural preservation extends beyond Guam. He continues to promote CHamoru language and traditions worldwide, working tirelessly to strengthen community knowledge and appreciation of Guam’s unique heritage.