The Markings of GUARDIANS
The GUARDIANS Organization emphasizes visual identification and a sense of unity among its members through specific markings and tattoos. These identifiers serve both as symbols of allegiance and as a means of recognizing fellow GUARDIANS across different regions. The following outlines the detailed requirements:
1. Certified PGBI Marker – All members shall be distinguished by a Certified PGBI Marker. This is a tattoo located in the superior area between the thumb and the index finger of the right hand. The tattoo will contain specific letters as described by the organization, representing the member’s affiliation and identity within the GUARDIANS.
2. The GUARDIANS Mark on the Upper Right Arm – A significant and permanent part of a member’s identification is the “GUARDIANS” mark, which includes:
- The pseudonym adopted by the member upon admission.
- The year of admission into the organization.
- The regional designation:
- M for Mindanao
- V for Visayas
- L for Luzon
This mark is etched as a tattoo on the lateral extremity of the upper right arm, just below the shoulder. The design of this tattoo is carefully structured to incorporate the above elements in a specific pattern:
Note: When viewing the triangular marking, the word “GUARDIANS” should appear within an equilateral triangle — a shape that is stable and balanced. The letters L, V, and M, which signify the islands of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao respectively, are arranged along the base of the triangle, aligning with its line and draft as per the organization’s constitution.
In addition, above the triangular shape “GUARDIANS,” the year of recognition shall be placed to indicate the specific year the member was recognized into the organization.
The pseudonym is placed below the triangle, emphasizing the member’s chosen identity.
3. Regional Letter Markings on the Left Hand – To facilitate quick regional identification, members will have letter markings tattooed on the superior area between the thumb and index finger of the LEFT hand. These markings are:
- GM – Guardians Mindanao
- GV – Guardians Visayas
- GL – Guardians Luzon
This simple yet effective tattoo placement allows for immediate recognition of a member’s regional affiliation.
4. Proper Tattooing Practices – Unlike others, or the markers, who just resumed tattooing without proper planning, often placing pseudonyms in unbalanced clearances, or choosing improper locations and incorrect font sizes, the Guardians Organization advocates for carefully planned and precise tattooing. Proper procedures ensure that the tattoos are balanced, clear, and correctly positioned, thereby maintaining the integrity and symbolism of the markings.
Note on Honorary and Auxiliary Members: Since PGBI has honorary and auxiliary members, they are relatively rare in number. These members are recognized as part of the PGBI ID bearing group but do not have specific markings or tattoos. This is because their status is honorary or auxiliary, not requiring the same visual identification markers as active members. Their recognition is maintained through their ID cards and association rather than tattoos, emphasizing their special, elevated, or supportive role within the organization without the need for permanent markings.
However, the Honorary and Auxiliary members may or can pursue to be regular members after six months of being active members, only they need to go through the same process of recognition (Step No. 5) of the Membership procedures.
For more explanation about Honorary and Auxiliary members, read more on the article.
The PGBI organization employs a system of specific tattoos and pseudonyms to symbolize membership, regional identity, and unity. The triangular “GUARDIANS” marking with the regional letters aligned along the base, combined with the year of recognition above the triangle, represents stability and regional pride. Proper tattooing practices are essential to uphold the organization’s standards, ensuring clarity, balance, and correct placement. Honorary and auxiliary members, while bearing PGBI IDs, do not have tattoos to preserve the distinction and significance of active member markings. These markings reinforce a strong sense of brotherhood and belonging among members across the islands. – GSM
