Billie Anima has been a big-time player ever since his high school days, but now he’s more mature than he’s ever been.
Anima’s maturity reached a new level when he became an assistant coach for Petro Gazz in the Premier Volleyball League.
Now juggling that role while playing competitively in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, the multi-awarded UAAP middle blocker shared that being a coach helps him become a better player.
“Mas nai-aapply ko ‘yung mga pinagsasabi ko kasi when you’re coaching, you’re telling them what to do. When you’re playing na, you realize na what I’ve been telling the players also applies to me,” said Anima.
“So kung ano man ‘yung itinuturo ko, especially sa middles sa Petro Gazz, ina-apply ko siya dito.”
Anima’s net defense was crucial to Alpha Insurance’s 19-25, 25-23, 26-24, 25-22 takedown of Savouge to kick off its Invitational campaign on a rousing note Monday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
His six blocks led the Protectors’ total of 13, with two of those coming in clutch moments in the third and fourth sets to secure the stunning opening-day victory in the league organized by Sports Vision and supported by Alpha Insurance, Premiere EMS, Buffalo’s Wings n’ Things, and Arena Plus.
Head coach Mike Santos explained that having professional assistant coaches on his team as players makes his job easier.
Aside from Anima, setter JM Apolinario is also an assistant coach in the PVL with Galeries Tower.
“It’s a big advantage, dalawa sila — ‘yung isa si JM Apolinario na nagko-coach sa Galeries. Sabi ko lang sa kanila, basta during games, 100-percent tayo,” said Santos.
“Hindi na ako nahihirapan silang turuan kasi alam na nila ‘yung gagawin nila eh kasi nagko-coach na rin sila. ‘Yun naman ang goal ng mga players eh, makapagturo tayo. Madali na sa kanila yun.”
After taking down one of the top teams in Spikers’ Turf, Savouge — winners of two straight bronze medals — Alpha Insurance looks to slay another juggernaut when it takes on Cignal on Wednesday at the Paco Arena.
Games are aired live on One Sports and One Sports+, as well as through the Pilipinas Live app, which offers video-on-demand options.
Games will also be streamed via spikersturf.ph.
