In photo: Janine Nicandro/Banner by Scoreline.ph
Scoreline.ph Editorial Team
Exclusive: Janine Nicandro, The Journey of a PBA Referee
In 2016, Janine Nicandro shocked the basketball-crazy Filipino nation as she became the first female referee to officiate pay-for-play games in the Philippine Basketball Association.
Janine, known to basketball teams as “Referee #41”, is a proud daughter of Pagsanjan, Laguna.
In an exclusive interview with our team, Janine opened up about her referee journey - one that started when she went to Manila together with her bestfriend Marilee, who also became the league’s third-ever lady referee.
They decided to explore Manila to get out of their comfort zone and earn a better income.
“I went to Manila with Ate Mao (Marilee) Orioste. Then attend training with other female applicants…Ayeez Ceballos, Jill Santiago, Faye Tria, Jane Umali and Ma’am Edith Boticario,” she said.
Together with some other female applicants, Nicandro started going to training camps and improving her skills to climb up the ladder of success.
She first started in the PBA D-League academy in 2014 before jumping to the pro league after two years.
During her first time officiating an official PBA game, she felt different kinds of emotions and feelings.
“I was nervous, I even saw the floor like an ocean waving but I am eager and motivated to give my best. Being the first-ever PBA lady referee was a blessing as it put your name in history, so I wanted to etch a legacy by setting excellent standards as I also wanted to inspire other ladies that if I can do it, they can do also,” Janine said to Scoreline.
Nicandro also said that after the experience, she felt on cloud nine.
“I am happy and thankful that I am living my dream already but not yet fulfilled as there are more things to learn along the way.”
Janine officiated the games from the venues in Manila and other stadiums or arenas around the country when the PBA was on Tour. Not only that, she was even part of the team that was sent overseas when the league conducted a game in Dubai.
“It adds more excitement as the atmosphere is different when you are out-of-town. The reaction of the crowd is more warm and intense as they are excited to see their favorite players. And as an official you can also feel the energy,” describing her experience.
Janine was also thankful to the PBA when she was one of the officials sent to the Dubai game in 2019. That was also her first time going out of the country.
“I didn’t expect that I will be part of the pool that will be sent to Dubai. That's why I was surprised, excited and thankful when chosen. It was also my first time to travel abroad. That's why I consider this job as a blessing.”
TIME OUT
However, the constant strain of basketball took a toll on Janine’s body.
Just like players, referees are also prone to injuries and Janine was no exception. She suffered a complete ACL tear on August 18, 2023, sidelining her from action for 10 months.
Nicandro was supposed to have an operation during that month also but she delayed it as she wanted to do World Cup duties first before going under the knife.
She was assigned as the Liaison Officer during the FIBA World Cup held here in the Philippines in August 2023 where she assisted not just the Philippine team but also the delegates of the International teams.
After her WC obligations, she underwent an operation on September 19.
During her down moments, Janine’s family and friends supported all the way. It helped her cope up and dream anew.
“My mother Mercy Nicandro and my family are always there for me,” Janine says.
“Everyday, my mom always took care of whatever needs I had. Mommy Mercy and Theresa were the ones who accompanied me when I needed to go to the clinic. Ate Mao, even though retired already, still helped me and like our PBA days, she partnered with me all the way. We were really best of friends. My housemates also supported me during my recovery journey - my sister Joyce and our friend, Ma’am Menic,” said Janine about the people who supported her all the way.
THE BOUNCE BACK
After the operation and ample time of rest, Janine started doing her therapy sessions at Cardinal Santos Hospital and Peak Form BGC. She also went back to working out at a nearby gym.
Nicadro began her strengthening program and had adjustments to the food that she ate. She also stated that the most important thing was the mental aspect when it comes to getting back after an injury.
“The mental state is also important. The desire of your heart was to continue and be better but your body can’t do so much yet as it still hurts everyday plus it’s like going back to zero again.”
It might be hard for the lady referee to suffer such a setback but she’s still full of gratitude and still envisioning a better future.
“It’s hard but still super thankful for my support system. I think I also became more optimistic as I really wanted to go back to officiating. As my dream is not only going back to the PBA, but also becoming an International Referee one day - that is one thing that gives a burning passion in my heart.”
Currently, Janine is the only female referee officiating for the PBA, as her bestfriend, #42 - Marilee, has retired from professional officiating.
LIFE ON THE SIDELINES
Janine told Scoreline, being a PBA official impacted her life.
In her decade of refereeing experience, - 8 years of which as a pro, she realized that was a long road already and she needed to expand the horizon. That's why she is now eyeing to be an international referee while still doing her job in the PBA and exploring other stuff that can make her better.
“Being an official is not like the normal 8-hour work. It’s being at your best, giving the highest quality of work for 2-3 hours but you have to be in top shape before you go into the battle,” described by Janine about the work ethics that you need to have being a referee.
“Being a referee is a lifestyle, it becomes your way of life already. So you have to align everything - mentally, physically, psychologically, and even spiritually. You should always stay healthy too,” she added.
Asked on what advice she could give for those who wanted to follow her footsteps, she utter these words:
“When you are a PBA referee, you have to stay focused, be in the present, never let distractions enter your mind, and always give your best shot. You also need to take care of your body.”
“You should always remember the word respect. Respect everyone around you and always give respect to yourself too.” she ended.
“Always remember that each one has a calling. You just have to find yours.”
News
Despite a stellar debut from Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, the Meralco Bolts faltered late and suffered an 81–72 road loss to the Ryukyu Golden Kings in their East Asia Super League opener on Wednesday, October 22, in Okinawa, Japan.
The former NBA standout and three-time PBA Best Import powered the Bolts with 25 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks, showing flashes of brilliance even without key teammates Justin Brownlee and Sina Vahedi.
Hollis-Jefferson found solid support from Ismael Romero, who posted a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Chris Newsome and CJ Cansino added 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Meralco mounted a late rally, cutting the deficit to two, 72–74, on a Newsome three-pointer, but Ryukyu answered with a decisive 7-0 closing run behind Ryo Sadohara and Ryuichi Kishimoto. Sadohara drilled a clutch triple to seal the win, while Kishimoto led the Golden Kings with 22 points, 8 assists, and 4 steals.
The Bolts missed the dynamic presence of Brownlee, who starred for Gilas Pilipinas in the 2023 Asian Games, and Vahedi, an All-Tournament Team member from the FIBA Asia Cup.
Now 0–1 in Group B, Meralco aims to regroup as it heads to Taiwan to face Taoyuan on November 2, determined to translate Hollis-Jefferson’s strong performance into their first EASL victory.
Loren Brill, the Filipino-American guard and son of former Olongapo sports star Louie Brill, is set on reigniting his professional basketball journey in the Philippines. Standing at 6’0” and weighing 190 pounds, Loren brings a mix of international experience, athleticism, and heritage pride to the court.
His father, Louie Brill, was a back-to-back NCAA champion (1977–1978) with the San Beda Red Lions and team captain of the 1982 RP Youth team that won the ABC Juniors Championship, cementing his place among the country’s standout basketball figures of his era.
Following in those footsteps, Loren carved his own path abroad. A former Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots draftee, he was selected 28th overall in the 2021 PBA Draft, contributing to Magnolia’s deep playoff runs in the Philippine Cup and Governor’s Cup.
Before turning pro, he played Division I basketball in the U.S. — first with California State University Fullerton, and later with Old Dominion University, where he competed in the 2019 NCAA March Madness Tournament.
After a solid stint with the Dasmariñas Monarchs in the 2023 AsiaBasket League, Loren now looks to return to the PBA with renewed focus and hunger.
Carrying the competitive fire of his father Louie, a champion and youth team legend, Loren Brill is determined to write the next chapter of the Brill basketball legacy — one built on history, pride, and perseverance.
Filipino gymnastics star Carlos Yulo has opted to skip the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand this December to focus on the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta, where he is competing only in floor exercise and vault due to a left wrist injury.
“I still want the taste of competition,” Yulo said “That is the most important for me right now.”
Yulo, a double gold medalist in vault and floor at the Paris 2024 Olympics, officially announced his SEA Games withdrawal through Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) president Cynthia Carrion-Norton. According to Carrion-Norton, Yulo’s decision was motivated by two factors: SEA Games rules now restrict elite gymnasts to only one event, and Yulo’s desire to give other Filipino gymnasts a chance to shine.
“It’s a selfless decision because he likes to give others a chance. He’s now focused on winning in the world championships,” Carrion-Norton said. She added that the SEA Games organizers also scrapped the all-around competition, limiting medal opportunities for top gymnasts.
Yulo revealed his wrist injury occurred two months ago while working on a difficult new dismount on the parallel bars. “I kind of did it too much,” he admitted.
Despite his limited participation in Jakarta, Yulo remains committed to showcasing beautiful, graceful gymnastics. “My goal is to perform beautiful gymnastics, to be really graceful,” he shared.
Yulo is joined at the world championships by fellow Filipino gymnasts Miguel Besana and Ivan Cruz, the latter fresh off a gold medal at the Cambodia SEA Games.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman John Patrick "Pato" Gregorio made a special stop in Indonesia to personally rally the Philippine team at the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, fresh off attending the 8th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Sports in Hanoi.
Gregorio, known for his hands-on approach, met separately with the men’s and women’s squads at Hotel Mulia, just ahead of their competitions at the Indonesia Arena. “I believe in going where our athletes compete overseas, hoping this will encourage and inspire them to do better,” said Gregorio, who previously led the Philippine Rowing Association and is a long-time supporter of national athletes.
He shared with Paris Olympic double gold medalist Carlos Yulo, as well as Juancho Miguel Besana, Justine Ace de Leon, and John Ivan Cruz, that he even drove two hours from Hanoi to Haiphong to meet Pinoy rowers before flying to Jakarta. “It’s different when you see an official supporting you. It boosts your morale,” he noted.
Gregorio, who witnessed Yulo’s historic Olympic double in Paris, emphasized his emotional connection to gymnastics. “You can’t sing the national anthem when you’re crying,” he recalled of Yulo’s golden moments.
He also encouraged the women’s team, led by Paris Olympians Aleah Finnegan and Emma Malabuyo, plus debutants Elayza Yulo and Haylee Garcia, to use PSC’s Elite Link app to showcase their achievements and connect with potential patrons.
Besides cheering on the team, Gregorio met with Indonesia’s new Sports Minister Eric Thohir to discuss a potential joint Olympic bid by Southeast Asian nations. “If the Philippines, Japan, and Indonesia could co-host the FIBA World Cup, there’s no reason Southeast Asia can’t bid for the Olympics together,” he said.
Gregorio returned to the Philippines Sunday night to oversee upcoming priorities, including the Batang Pinoy National Championships, which will gather 21,000 young athletes in General Santos City.
