G'Ballers 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 G'Ballers, 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.”