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 Alas Pilipinas Boys made quick work of Hong Kong-China, 25-18, 28-26, 25-13, in the 9th-12th classification round of the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Boys’ U18 Volleyball Championship on Friday night at the Wuyuan River Gymnasium in Haikou, China.
The Philippines will face Indonesia today in the battle for ninth place. A victory would give Alas Pilipinas its highest finish in the tournament since making its debut in 1997.
After taking the opening set, 25-18, the Filipinos faced a tougher challenge in the second frame as Hong Kong-China battled back and forced a 26-all deadlock.
Elijah Guzman stepped up in crunch time, hammering down back-to-back kills to give the Philippines a commanding two-set advantage.
Alas then dominated the third set, with Al-Raquib Dais and Terrence Marticion attacking from all angles to power the team to a convincing 25-13 victory.
Dais, who erupted for a tournament-high 25 points in the team’s win over Australia, once again led the scoring with 15 points built on 12 attacks and three blocks. Marticion chipped in 14 points, while Guzman added six markers, including the two crucial points that sealed the second set.
Lik Chun Lau paced Hong Kong-China with 16 points.
Meanwhile, Japan and Iran will clash for the championship on Saturday, while Chinese Taipei and host China will battle for the bronze medal.
The Alas Pilipinas Boys defeated Australia, 25-20, 30-28, 25-20, in the classification round of the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Boys' U18 Volleyball Championship on Thursday night at the Wuyuan River Gymnasium in Haikou, China.
The Philippines boosted its chances of securing a best-ever ninth-place finish in the tournament—an improvement from its 11th-place finish in the 2024 edition held in Bahrain.
The national team had to work hard throughout the match, especially in the second set, which was tied six times as Al-Raquib Dais traded kills with Australia's Eddie Kerwin.
After Alex Liang committed a costly service error, Dais pounded a strong crosscourt kill to secure the set for Alas, 30-28.
Australia was plagued by errors in the third frame as Dais continued his hot streak, allowing Alas to close out the match with a 25-20 victory.
They gave away 25 points through unforced errors, while the Philippines committed only 14.
The 16-year-old Dais finished with 25 points built on 21 attacks, three blocks, and one ace, while Terrence Marticion added 11 points.
Australia was led by King's 12-point output and Liang's 11-point performance, but it was not enough to earn a victory.
The Philippines will face either Kazakhstan or Hong Kong in the 9th-12th place classification semifinals.
In an unstoppable performance, the UST Junior Golden Tigresses claimed the top spot in the 2026 Shakey’s Super League Junior National Invitationals after sweeping fellow unbeaten St. John’s Institute in straight sets, 25-17, 25-23, to complete the elimination round with a perfect record.
The Golden Tigresses advanced to the semifinals as the tournament's No.1 seed following their latest triumph.
Anneli Manzanillo was named the MVP of the Match award after playing a key role in their victory. She finished with 8 points, highlighted by 4 attacks and 4 blocks in a dominant performance at the net.
The unbeaten campaign marked UST's first-ever perfect elimination round since 2023, when the Junior Golden Tigresses went on to capture the bronze medal in the tournament.
Meanwhile, Angeline Poyos was named Best Outside Hitter, while Bernadett Pepito earned the Best Libero award.
UST will await its semifinal opponent, while St. John’s dropped to a 4-1 record. The squad is scheduled to face Pacific Volleyball Academy (PVA) in its final preliminary-round match.
Gilas Pilipinas Boys beats Japan, 19-14, in the 2026 FIBA 3x3 Nations League Asia 2 finals in the Stop 3 final on Wednesday at Hextar World Empire City in Malaysia.
The Philippines secured their title triumph through strong teamwork, efficient offensive scoring, and control of the game's tempo. Gilas built an 18-10 cushion behind timely baskets and maintained its composure to close out the championship match, showcasing the depth that fueled its unbeaten Stop 3 run.
Cabs Cabonilas emerged as the Player of the Game after he contributed seven points in the final. The Gilas standout also played a crucial role throughout Stop 3, which he tallied 11 points against New Zealand and 10 more against Singapore to spearhead the Philippines' title-winning campaign.
Japan tried to keep the team within striking distance throughout the final and helped the squad stay competitive despite facing a double-digit deficit.
Despite their resilience, the team struggled to match the Philippines' scoring pace in the closing stages. Unable to contain Gilas Pilipinas' balanced attack, they found it difficult to generate consistent offense.
With the victory, Gilas moved into a tie with Belarus atop the conference standings with 240 points apiece, and will return to action in Stop 4 on Friday against New Zealand and Malaysia.
Cambodia stunned Alas Pilipinas in five sets, 25-23, 28-30, 25-20, 22-25, 15-8, to open its SEA V Cup campaign on a high note Wednesday at the Candon City Arena and deal the host nation an early setback in the tournament.
Despite the loss, newcomer Joshua Magalaman delivered an impressive performance for the Philippines, finishing with 21 points built on 15 attacks, four blocks, and two aces.
Jude Garcia also shone for Alas Pilipinas with 20 points on 18 attacks, one block, and one ace, providing a steady offensive presence throughout the match.
The Philippines struggled to maintain its momentum in crucial stretches, particularly in the deciding fifth set where Cambodia pulled away. Alas also committed untimely errors and failed to contain Cambodia’s attack, allowing the visitors to dictate the pace when it mattered most.
Cambodia, meanwhile, capitalized on its opportunities through efficient attacking and resilient defense. The Cambodians remained composed during extended rallies and key moments, showcasing the confidence that helped them secure one of the biggest wins in their recent history.
Veasna Voeum emerged as the Player of the Game after erupting for 33 points on 28 attacks, three blocks, and two aces to lead Cambodia’s breakthrough victory.
Cambodia is set to face reigning AVC Men's Cup champ Indonesia today, July 16, before taking on the home team on Friday. Alas is also on the verge of a must-win situation on the tournament against Indonesia.
