PBB winner Slater: Young and restless

MANILA, Philippines - Whoever says that nice guys finish last, better think again.

Slater Young, Pinoy Big Brother Unlimited’s Big Winner, has challenged the veracity of this cliché. His winsome personality and leadership skills assured him a smooth start-to-finish run in the reality search. The 49-percent votes Slater received during the Big Night from the viewers simply sealed his fate for the big win leaving other Big Four members Pamu Pamorada, Joseph Biggel and Paco Evangelista behind.          

“I’m still very thankful,” offers the Cebuano construction engineer, who could only muster a mouthful of thank-you’s after his proclamation as winner. “My parents are proud of me. (My win was) because of their support and (the support of) those (who voted for me). Everything has happened so fast… Wala pa nga akong tirahan dito (after leaving Kuya’s house). I’m staying in a friend’s place. (But) I spoke to my cousin if I could live (with him).” 

Slater’s career is being managed by Cornerstone Talent Management Center of Erickson Raymundo. He was discovered through Facebook. After a month of weighing the pros and cons of entering showbiz, Slater signed up for Cornerstone but remained in a look-and-see mode. He attended acting workshops under Pen Medina on weekends for six weeks. Then, manager Erickson encouraged him to try his luck as possible housemate for the PBB Unlimited edition.

“After I auditioned for PBB, we just waited for the opportunity,” recalls Slater. “What (my manager and I) talked (and agreed about) was I should try (attending) workshops for me to know if I would like (the idea of) acting or I would continue being an engineer. And I liked the experience and I hope I have the talent to act.”

Slater shares that having a talent management didn’t fast track his PBB audition. He auditioned in Manila and waited for his turn from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

“I think even if you have a manager, (you have to go through) the same process,” says Slater. “Walang pinapaburan. Pumila talaga (ako). Yes, I went to the special go-see. The line was long. There were about 1,000 who auditioned there. If I remember it right, I went back three times (for the audition).”

Is Slater ready for showbiz?

“Yes, right now,” answers the University of San Carlos graduate. “I have the support of my family… I want to see where I can go in showbiz. I don’t know my forte yet (or what acting genre I could go and explore). I think I still have to experience more. I’d love to try acting.”

Asked about his reason of joining PBB, Slater has this to say, “Since college, I’ve been working for my dad. I wondered then, ‘Will I be doing this for the rest of my life?’ or ‘Do I want to try something new?’ I think (I auditioned for PBB because) I wanted a new challenge (in my life). My life in Cebu is very comfortable and I’m not complaining. I feel very lucky. I work. I go out with my friends at night and go clubbing on weekends… Also part (of my motivation to enter PBB) was the pressure that I’m one of those who lead our company.”

Although he has no clear plans yet on where to invest his total winnings of P2M, Slater will put aside an amount for the scholarship of their employees’ children.

“Do what makes you happy,” Slater shares his dad’s advice. “If you decide that this is not for you, you can come back.”