Lovejoy Candelario rose to the occasion when it mattered most, powering Discovery Perlas into the semifinals of the 2025 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Invitational Tournament.
Often overlooked amid her star-studded teammates, Candelario seized the spotlight in the quarterfinals, helping lead the Discovery Perlas to a commanding 93-58 rout of Cavite-TOL last Sunday.
Averaging just 2.42 points in seven games played in the eliminations, the former University of the East standout delivered 13 points and eight rebounds, along with two assists and one steal against the upset-seeking Patriots.
Candelario shared that the sacrifices she made throughout the tournament were her biggest motivation in the quarterfinals, along with her desire to step up for teammates who were dealing with injuries.
(C) WMPBL
“Yun nga, ‘yung inspirasyon ko, marami akong sinakripisyo bago kami makarating dito. Hindi ko sasayangin lahat ng sakripisyo na ‘yun kaya ngayon ko naiisip na kailangan ko mag-improve at mag-step up,” said Candelario.
“Nag-step up lang ako kasi kulang kami. May mga teammates kami na may injury, so kailangan ko mag-step up. Pinagpaguran namin ‘to, pinagpaguran ko ‘to, maraming sakripisyo ang nangyari kaya ganito ang performance ko and namin,” she added.
The former UAAP Season 80 Mythical Team member poured 11 of her 13 points in Discovery Perlas’ vicious first-half attack that saw them put up a 25-point, 48-23 advantage over the Lady Patriots.
Candelario expressed her utmost gratitude to the coaching staff, led by head coach Helen Fidellaga, for giving her the confidence and the opportunity to showcase her abilities and contribute to the team’s success.
“Yun nga, sobrang thankful ako kila coach na binigyan nila ako ng time na i-showcase ‘yung talent ko. Then thankful ako kasi pinagkatiwalaan nila ako ngayon na papasok kami sa important games,” she said.
Despite making her mark offensively in the quarterfinals, Candelario said that her primary focus remains on anchoring the team’s defense moving forward, knowing that defense will be key to their success in the semifinals.
“I’m a defensive player so dun ako nagsi-stick sa defense ko. Doon ako mas magambag pa sa team namin sa Discovery.”
