Slater Young, ready for showbiz

CEBU CITY -- March 31 was indeed a big night for Cebuano housemate Slater Young, as he was then proclaimed the Big Winner of the hit reality television series Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) Unlimited. After garnering 40.02 percent of the votes, Slater is the first male housemate to ever win the show’s regular season.

“Thank you kaayo,” was Slater’s message to the Cebuanos who have supported him all throughout his tough 155-day stay inside the house. “It’s a very nice feeling, to have the people in your own hometown supporting you.”

Slater Young

Slater was in Cebu the past weekend for his grand homecoming at the Jcentre Mall. “Nakalitan ko nga daghan na kaila nako,” he said, describing his life post-pbb. “Lisud, pero lingaw ra sad. It’s a challenge.” Slater shared that his reason for entering the Big Brother house in the first place was for “self-discovery.” He explained, “All my life, I’ve lived with my parents. I wanted to get to know myself without them. I want to become more mature and independent. So far, I’m on the right track.”

His experience in the show had taught him, among others, to always think positively. “Always think that you can do it,” he said. “With all the tasks given to me, kaya ra man diay gihapon.” In accomplishing the show’s tasks, Slater said that he discovered another side of his personality that he never knew existed.

Slater admits that there were times he almost wanted to leave the show because he missed his family and friends. He said, “Sa kamingaw, usahay nindot na igawas. Pero pareha ra gihapon, magmahay ra if mugawas.” He also didn’t think that he would last for more than two months in the show, thinking that he would be back in Cebu in time for Sinulog.

His family was hesitant at first to let him join, but after much prodding on Slater’s part, they eventually gave in. He said, “Nasabtan ra man nila. They also said nga if dili nako ganahan, pwede ra ko mubalik.” Prior to joining the reality show, Slater helped his parents in managing their construction business. “My biggest achievement so far is making my family very happy. Proud kaayo sila nako.”

As Big Winner, Slater is the recipient of two million pesos, an appliance showcase, an Asian tour package, an Internet TV and a store franchise. He plans to give back soon by allocating a portion of his cash winnings to their company’s college scholarship program for their employees’ kids.

Life after PBB has surely been a rollercoaster ride for Slater. Press cons, motorcades and meet and greet events—a life completely different from what the 24-year-old engineer had been used to. Slater’s first acting stint was on TV show E-boy, where he played the grown-up Miyo in the final episode. He said that he wants to become a “serious actor” just like his idol and acting coach Pen Medina.

Many people, including Kris Aquino, have also suggested that Slater should have a try at hosting. “Tungod daw sa akong tingug,” he explained. He said that he still needs to have more experience in it and even managed to joke, “Engineer baya ta, dayun kalit lang ta og-dive ani.”

Slater has begun shooting for a Maalaala Mo Kaya episode, in which he has a lead support role. He will also be featured on Rated K on April 29 and will soon be a guest judge at noontime show Showtime. (Fiona Escandor/Sun.Star Cebu)