Membership and Certification

Prior to its spreading world-wide, acceptance into the Bakbakan International fraternity could only be done by direct referral or through the sponsorship of a Full-fledged member. However, because of its expansion and growth beyond the borders of its mother country, the Philippines, this procedure and requirement became impractical and inapplicable. Entry into the Bakbakan organization is now achieved through either on-site training or off-site Affiliate membership with or without an accompanying referral or sponsorship.

Affiliate membership is an entry-level, probationary membership, specifically designed to enable individuals or groups to become part of the Bakbakan fraternity despite limited access to regular on-site or off-site training. Approval of affiliate membership undergoes the same same stringent review and the unanimous approval of the governing Board or Council during the presentation of the application or recommendation, if sponsored.

All candidates to the Bakbakan organization must go through a minimum of six (6) months probationary and qualifying period. Affiliate organizations must sponsor a minimum of two (2) seminars as part of their probationary and qualifying period. Affiliate individuals must participate in a minimum of two (2) seminars as part of their probationary and qualifying period.

After the initial probationary and qualifying period, candidate groups or individuals may be considered and recommended for upgrade to Associate status. This is not automatic and is subject to the recommendation of a sponsoring Full-fledged member and the unanimous approval of the governing Board or Council during the presentation.

Cadets and Affiliate members are allowed, subject to recommendation, to take certification exams for Beginner levels (9^th to 6^th grades) only.

Associate members are allowed, subject to recommendation, to take certification exams for Beginner and Intermediate levels (9^th to 4^th grades) only.

After a minimum of six (6) months, Associates may be considered and recommended for upgrade to Full-fledged status. This is not automatic and is subject to the recommendation of a sponsoring Full-fledged member and the unanimous approval of the governing Board or Council during the presentation. Candidates for Full-fledged status should be aware of the Rites of Passage that need to be undertaken as part of the initiation for Full-fledged membership. There is no exception to this ritual.

Full-fledged members are allowed, subject to recommendation, to take certification exams for Grade and Rank/Degree levels (9^th to 1^st grades and from 1^st degree upwards).

There is a flat testing fee of $50 per individual regardless of level of exam being undertaken.

In no way is it to be assumed that participating in certification tests guarantees promotion or certification. It is mandated that individuals must participate in sparring as part of the certification exams. Individuals not belonging to a registered chapter must have proof or record of participation in a minimum of two (2) seminars/workshops between certification tests. Groups/chapters and/or individuals must have current/active membership status (see Annual Membership Fee) to be considered for testing and certification.

A Certificate of Rank is issued to each successful candidate indicating their new grade/rank and duly registered in the Bakbakan roster. Each certificate bears the individuals unchanging registry number and identifies the members year of enrollment, serial number and chapter affiliation/location. All Full-fledged members with a grade or rank of Advanced (3^rd to 1^st grade) and upwards are eligible to order and purchase the Bakbakan Members Ring ($150 - zadium/stainless steel). The members ring bears an onyx stone whereas the Seniors and/or Masters ring (from 3^rd degree upwards) is identified by a garnet stone. All members rings are custom-ordered and sized, and bears the engraved name of the individual. The Seniors and Masters level ring can optionally be purchased in 10 karat gold ($400).

Annual Membership Fees:
• Groups/Chapters: $250
• Individuals : $100
  Individuals belonging to a registered or Affiliate Chapter need not pay annual membership fee to Bakbakan International. The corresponding chapter or group may impose its own annual fees to their respective students, representing the individuals as part of the registered group/chapter.
  If, however, the individual desires to have a direct affiliation and certification with Bakbakan International rather than through its affiliate/associate chapter, then the annual membership fee applies. Annual fees must be paid/renewed on the anniversary date/renewal period of the respective group/individual.

Tuition:
Regular (Group) Classes
• Monthly Tuition: $150 (3 sessions per week)
• Per lesson: $25
Private lessons: (maximum of 4 participants) :
• 1st hour: 1 person - $100; 2 persons - $150; 3 persons - $ 175; 4 persons - $ 200
• each additional hour or part thereof: $ 50
On-site Group Package (2-hour sessions per day)
• Five (5) day Group Training Package ( maximum of 4 participants): $1000
• Each additional participant : $100

Testing/Certification:
• Fee: $50 (must have active/current membership status)

Off-site Seminars/Workshops
• Per workshop (3 - 4 hours) : $1200
• 2-day workshops (3 - 4 hours per workshop day): $1800
  Training and Seminars/Workshops Combos (4 or 5 day package)
  • 3 training sessions (2 hours per day ) + 1 workshop day (3 - 4 hours) : $2000
  • 3 training sessions (2 hours per day ) + 2 workshop day (3 - 4 hours) : $2500

  The above seminar/workshop fee is exclusive of travel, board and lodging expenses to be paid by the sponsoring group/chapter.
  Please note that the above schedule of seminar and/or workshop fees are exclusively for Affiliate, Associate and Official Chapters of Bakbakan International. Non-Bakbakan groups are subject to a 25% surcharge.

For more information or to address and inquire on specific details, please email  ladybakbakan@aol.com or  bakbakanwhq@aol.com .

COPYRIGHT 1992, 2004 BAKBAKAN INTERNATIONAL

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