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
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is pushing a landmark plan to open government-run golf courses to children aged 15 and below—completely free of charge.
Initiated by PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio, the proposal would give youth access to select courses, including Camp John Hay in Baguio and Intramuros Golf Club in Manila, starting at noon daily, seven days a week.
The plan, now with the Office of the President, awaits approval as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. consults with golf industry stakeholders.
While some military-run courses may resist concerns about income and congestion, Gregorio believes the long-term benefits for grassroots golf outweigh the drawbacks. “If we want golf to grow, we have to let more Filipino kids touch a golf club—not just the ones who can afford it,” he said.
With golf’s high costs limiting access, the PSC hopes the initiative will spark broader participation, open doors to scholarships, and develop future champions from all backgrounds.
The Philippine women’s softball team—the Blu Girls—are eyeing nothing less than gold as they prepare to defend their title at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games this December in Thailand.
After softball’s two-edition absence from the SEA Games, head coach Ana Santiago said the team’s hunger for victory remains undiminished. “Nothing less than gold ang goal natin,” Santiago declared, recalling the Blu Girls’ last gold win at home in 2019.
A dominant force since 1979, the Blu Girls have collected 11 SEA Games golds and are returning as favorites. Team captain Charlotte Sales and power hitter Roma Cruz, both SEA Games debutantes, expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness, especially after a productive training camp in Taiwan.
“Malaking bagay ‘yung training camp namin. Nakatulong sa teamwork, communication, and ‘yung samahan,” Sales shared.
Cruz, who smashed five homers at the Asian Cup in China last July, is determined to prove herself on the SEA Games stage. “Gusto ko ipakita na kaya ko makipagsabayan,” she said.
While the Blu Girls topped Indonesia for gold in 2019, Santiago sees Singapore as this year’s biggest threat, citing their extensive preparations in Australia, Japan, and Taiwan.
The Philippines opens against Singapore on December 15, then faces Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia before the gold medal game on December 20.
Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines president John Henry Lhuillier’s marching order is clear: go for double gold in both women’s and men’s softball. “That’s the goal,” Santiago affirmed.
Cambodia has withdrawn from eight sports in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games in Thailand due to security concerns amid ongoing border tensions, an Olympic official confirmed last November 27.
The decision comes after intermittent military clashes between Cambodia and Thailand throughout the year, including a deadly July outbreak that left over 40 people dead.
Despite a US-brokered truce, diplomatic strains remain.
The National Olympic Committee of Cambodia (NOCC) informed the Southeast Asian Games Federation that it would skip events such as football, petanque, wrestling, judo, and karate, citing “significant security concerns” for its athletes and officials.
NOCC secretary-general Vath Chamroeun emphasized that the move was strictly about safety, reducing the delegation from 333 to 150 athletes competing in 13 sports.
The pullout is aimed at making monitoring easier amid heightened tensions over overlapping claims to ancient temples along the Cambodia-Thailand border.
The Philippines will field its largest-ever delegation for the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, sending 1,600 athletes, coaches, and officials to compete in 50 sports at the biennial meet during the 33rd 2025 send-off at Rizal Memorial Coliseum held last November 28.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said the decision to send a record-sized team was rooted in prioritizing exposure and athlete development over immediate results
“When you send a delegation, they learn. When you send a big delegation, they gain confidence and experience,” Gregorio said. “We want our athletes’ mindset and skills to toughen up so they can compete at the Asian Games and the Olympics.”
The 2025 SEA Games will feature 574 medal events, three demonstration sports—air sports, flying disc, and tug of war—and MMA as a value-added sport.
Gregorio emphasized that investing in athletes’ experience now lays the groundwork for future success. “We’re giving our athletes the exposure they need to compete better in the future,” he said.
The Philippines will target podium finishes in medal-rich sports including basketball, esports, boxing, weightlifting, jiu-jitsu, and athletics when the SEA Games open on December 9.
In a heartfelt send-off, the senate committee on sports, Senator Bong Go, reminded the country’s national athletes of the immense pride and hope they bring as they head into international competitions.
“Always remember, you carry not just your name, but the spirit of every Filipino,” Go said. “When you win, the whole nation wins with you. No matter the result, you already carry the pride and admiration of the Filipino people.”
Reassuring the athletes of his unwavering support, the official added, “My office is always open for you. If you need anything—whether a solution or a problem—just come to my office.”
As the delegation prepared to embark on their journey, he encouraged them to fight with determination and honor the country. “Fight with all your heart. Bring home the bacon. The honor you bring to the country—you will carry it for the rest of your life. It is engraved in the history of the Philippines.”
He closed by urging the team to give their best, stay united, and make every Filipino proud: “Show the world how strong and united Filipinos can be.”
