Becoming a PGBI GUARDIANS 

A PGBI GUARDIANS is only as good as the men who call it home. As our members move out into the world, we must replenish our ranks with the best candidates possible. We would like to hear from you if you would like to share an experience that will challenge your definitions of success, loyalty, and brotherhood. The PGBI GUARDIANS experience begins the first time you express your interest in joining our organization. We encourage you to START NOW . . .

MEMBERSHIP PROCEDURES:

Membership applications shall be made in writing in an official form provided for the purpose. An applicant shall only be considered a bona fide member after having passed the five (5) stages of membership, namely: (a) application; (b) background investigation; (c) presentation of applicants; (d) training, seminar/lecture, and (e) recognition.

1. Application: An applicant shall complete an official application form duly endorsed by any bona fide member, known as a sponsor, of the organization, which shall be submitted to the Screening Committee of the local chapter for examination and approval;
2. Background Investigation: No one shall be admitted to the organization unless his/her background has been thoroughly known and investigated to ensure that he/she will not be a liability or source of embarrassment in the future. As part of the investigation, an applicant is required to present a police clearance from his/her place of residence;
3. Presentation of Applicants: An applicant who has passed the first two (2) stages of membership must be presented to all members during a scheduled monthly meeting. In this stage, the applicant must state his/her circumstances and the reasons for joining the organization. An objection from the members will automatically disqualify the applicant, but the complaint must be justified and approved by the members present. If there is no objection, the applicant must be immediately scheduled for seminar or lecture;
4. Training Seminar or Lecture: Applicants whose application forms have been approved shall undergo an indoctrination or Basic Orientation Seminar or lecture on the objectives, aspirations, and ideals of the organization;
5. Recognition: In this stage, it has been the practice of the organization to adopt certain customs and traditions by which it sets itself apart from other organizations and gives the members a sense of belongingness and identity essential to the progress and success of the organization.

This is the transformation stage where he/she will be converted into a better person, but in addition to his/her normal life, profession or occupation, he/she now belongs to a group with a real and tangible purpose for the good of his/her country, fellow men, family and himself/herself.

Our Chapter Membership Process

MEMBERSHIP
(PGBI CBL Art. III, Sec 1 & 2)

The members of the Organization shall be the following:

1. Those who are hereafter admitted as members of the organization by this Constitution and By-Laws.

• Those who are members of any local or affiliate chapter of the Philippine Guardians Brotherhood, Inc. (PGBI);

Section 2. Qualifications for Membership. A citizen of the Philippines or of any foreign country who is of good standing in the community where he/she resides and/or works is eligible for membership provided that he/she shall qualify and pass the Organization’s screening and testing procedures after an application made in writing is given due course. The Organization shall determine the qualifications of an applicant for membership. Among others, the age requirement for MAGIC Group is at least eighteen (18) years of age.

At Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Inc. (PGBI), we strive to be the best we can be. PGBI is therefore committed to its chapter members to help them fulfill its goals. We follow a program that promotes gentlemanly manners, athletic, and social achievement, along with a strong feeling of pride and unity.

PGBI is looking for the brightest, strongest, and most responsible young men to share the wealth of our organization. Of the many things you will enjoy as a member here, is the opportunity to further develop:

1. Leadership Skills – Become an officer and learn to deal with diverse genres of people. Becoming a leader in the PGBI GUARDIANS movement involves the ability to lead people who are your age or older and may or may not be like you. Handling a diverse motivational model and succeeding is a skill that any Guardians will need to be a successful officer.
2. Gentlemanly Conduct – Perhaps chivalry is dead in every other part of the world, but not here. We believe that no excuse exists for poor conduct in the presence of others. Do you rise to shake hands? Stand when a woman enters the room? Know that turning your fork tines down is a sign that your meal is not yet finished. You will.
3. Re-Academic Success – We expect our members to have academic wisdom, however, brothers are always available to help each other succeed in their undergraduate endeavors. We may conduct brotherly tutoring at request.
4. Athletics – Guardians is not a social-athletic club, but every man appreciates physical fitness and good competition that regular athletic participation commands.
5. Social Skills – The ability to network is as imperative in the job market as it is in every social arena. Learning how to better communicate with women / or prospective colleagues is a skill set that requires practice every day.

The aforementioned are traits that we can help to develop, however, if no skill in the above areas exists; perhaps a different organization may better suit you. Guardians’ life at PGBI is not for everyone; however, if you feel you are willing to take on the challenge to reap the ultimate reward, let us know who you are.

Practices, Customs & Traditions of GUARDIANS

It is inherent in every organization to adopt certain practices and customs by which it sets itself apart from other organizations and gives the members one sense of belonging and identity essential to the progress and success of the organization. The combined effect of these practices ensures the stability of the organization, and even if the individual members die, the organization will survive. These practices and customs include the following:

MARKINGS
Members are required to undergo tattooing not for decorative purposes but to signify their lifelong and total commitment to the organization and all that it stands for. It symbolizes both privileges and responsibilities aside from serving as an identifying mark. It likewise serves the purpose of discouraging those who are not ready to give their full acceptance, dedication, or sincerity.

Tattooing shall be the last stage of the membership initiation procedures and shall be done manually by a duly authorized marker or with tattoo machine help in the presence of the official marker, officers and members of the Founders Group.

General Markings:

Special Markings:

All members shall be correspondingly marked by a tattoo in the superior area between the thumb and the point finger of the right hand with letters particularly described above.

The “GUARDIANS” marked, including the pseudonym, year of admission, and the letters “M” for Mindanao, “V” for Visayas, and “L” for Luzon, shall be made permanently by appropriate tattoos on the lateral extremity of the upper right arm just below the shoulder. The design of the shoulder tattoo shall be as follows”

Y E A R
D
R      I
A              A
U        L/V/M      N
G                                    S
(PSEUDONYM)

The following letters are marked on the area at the web of the right thumb and forefinger:

SGF/SGM: Supreme Godfather / Supreme Godmother 
GF/GM: Godfather / Godmother
MG – MAGIC Group
RMG: Ranking MAGIC Group
B: Army (Blue)
A: Air Force
N – Navy
G – PNP/BFP/BJMP

The letter marking “GM” stands for Mindanao, “GV” stands for Visayas, and “GL” stands for Luzon tattooed on the superior area between the thumb and the pointing finger of the left hand to easily identify areas of membership.

Pseudonym – When one is finally admitted as a member of the organization, he/she shall assume a name by which he/she is known by his/her fellow members and make him/her closer with his/her fellow GUARDIANS.

Handshake and Embrace signify respect, love, unity, solidarity and concern for one another. Disregard of Rank, Position, Unit or Branch of Service.

In the organization, there is no obstacle to open, free, and honest interactions among members. As far as the goals of the organization are concerned and to achieve cohesion, all members shall disregard their ranks, occupation or unit or Branch of service. Thus, irrespective of whether one is a government official or employee, professional or with the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or PNP, BJMP, or BFP, he/she is simply a GUARDIANS. However, to maintain proper decorum in all activities of the Organization, positions of Grand Supremo (GS), Supreme Godfather/Supreme Godmother (SGF/SGM), Ranking MAGIC Group (RMG), Founder, MAGIC Group (MG), and Godfather/Godmother (GF/GM) shall be recognized.

Regular Monthly Meetings
It is only through constant and regular meetings that the bond among the GUARDIANS is kept alive and strengthened. Through these meetings, one can keep in touch with his/her fellow GUARDIANS, and thereby camaraderie is firmed up. It also provides the opportunity for members to be kept abreast of the developments concerning the organization and the problems that the members may have and thereby contribute solutions to the predicament of the members.

Recognition (Whacking)
PGBI is not a living arrangement, it is an experience. Forget any stereotypes you might have seen on TV or in the movies—we defy them. Our members include politicians, regional, provincial, municipal, and barangay community leaders, active and former military greats, and former presidents of different professional organizations & leaders. Our success has been great and varied, yet even with these past accomplishments; GUARDIANS has challenged each one of us socially, physically, and intellectually. In school, we were among the best at what we did, and the desire a further challenge was the answer. – GSM