Former “PBB: Unlimited” (2012) big winner Slater Young has found his true calling in engineering. His journey was validated when his team’s project, The Rise at Monterrazas, won one of the most prestigious architectural awards on the global stage.
Slater was still reeling from the news in this exclusive interview with Malaya Business Insight.
“Overwhelming talaga. Hindi talaga namin ito inexpect dahil we were up against the top projects from over 80 countries around the world, kaya nagulat talaga kami when we saw the announcement,” Slater said. He recounted how Architect Leizle of LLG Architects had called him, her voice trembling with emotion, to share the incredible news. “Nanginginig when she called me to share the news. Well-deserved talaga ng buong team behind the project — we dedicated so much time and energy to this project, and it feels so good to be recognized by such an esteemed award.”
The victory was not just a personal achievement for Slater, but a triumph for the entire Filipino design community. Messages poured in from fellow developers, engineers, and architects, congratulating them and expressing their joy at seeing Filipino design being recognized globally. “Ang daming nag-me-message sa amin na mga fellow developers, engineers, and architects, saying that they are so happy we are helping push Filipino design forward. Sana we are doing our small part in achieving that.”
When asked how the award would change his focus or direction, Slater explained that the award underscored the special nature of their work and the potential of Filipino talents to compete on the world stage. “The realization na tayong mga Pinoy, kaya natin to compete on the world stage and bring home the award. A project that is inspired by the Philippines and comprised of Filipinos. This was truly a team effort, from the guidance of the engineering team, structural team, green consultants, and of course, our architects.
Nakaka-proud to be able to work with world-class Filipino talents.”
Slater’s foray into vlogging had given the public a glimpse into his life as an engineer and project lead, but when asked if he had any plans of returning to showbiz, he laughed.
“Pass! I truly feel that what I am doing now is my calling. There is a sense of purpose that I get from creating wonderful projects and to have a platform to share my knowledge. I am blessed to be where I am at now. No plans muna for showbiz.”
As for his children, Slater and his wife Kryz have agreed they would guide their kids to excel in whatever field they chose, without pushing them into any specific career path.
“Rule namin ni Kryz is that we will guide them to be the best that they can be in whatever field,” he said.
