Veteran PBA referee Nol Quilinguen has called his final game.–Photo from Nol Quilinguen’s Facebook

MANILA, Philippines–Game 6 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals marked not only the conclusion of the 49th season but also the career of one of the league’s veteran referees.

Nol Quilinguen officiated his final game on Friday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City, and he took to social media to reflect on a role he’s had for almost three decades, most of which were in the PBA.

“As a referee, I have been a part of excitement and emotion on the court,” he said in Filipino on his Facebook page after San Miguel Beer’s 107-96 title-clinching win over TNT. “While my heart and mind say that I can still do it, my body says it’s time to call it a day.”

Quilinguen began his career in the defunct Philippine Basketball League in the 1990s before joining the PBA’s pool of referees in 2004.

While also calling PBA games, Quilinguen dabbled into public service, currently holding the capacity as captain of Barangay 176-D Bagong Silang in Caloocan City.

“As this chapter concludes, I would like to thank all the people who have been with me on my journey, from fellow officials who have become my family every game, to friends who have inspired me, to the players who I have judged fairly and honestly, to league officials who have trusted in my abilities—thank you so much for every moment, lesson, and memory we have created,” he said.

He concluded his lengthy post by signing off as “PBA Referee 13,” referring to his uniform number.

“I will carry every experience and lessons, and that the love for this game will always be in my heart. This is not the end, but it’s a new chapter,” he said.