Mc Richard Paglicawan
Slater Young, a former ‘Pinoy Big Brother’ contestant and engineer, is in hot water due to his latest real estate project in Cebu, which has sparked concern among netizens.
Critics have taken to the internet after getting a glimpse of the project’s scale model, expressing worries about its potential adverse environmental impacts.
Named ‘The Rise at Monterrazas,’ the property is set to be constructed on the mountainside in Guadalupe, Cebu City.
Slater described the project’s design in a YouTube video, drawing inspiration from the Banaue Rice Terraces, known as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Philippines.
However, the choice of location has drawn criticism, with some calling it “disconnected from reality” and “risky” due to potential threats to the area’s ecosystem.
Referring to it as the "Banaue Rice Terraces design" is a disservice to the honor of our forebears who painstakingly constructed it and the dedicated farmers who diligently maintain it. https://t.co/9BXu4LXOYa
— BINI Guo (@ivanmyk13) August 26, 2023
Concerns have been raised about extensive deforestation during construction, which could lead to disasters like landslides and flooding.
That Slater Young is overrated and a 🚩. Never been his fan. Galit na galit kayo sa mga Villar tapos puring puri naman ang lalaking ito??? 🤡 pic.twitter.com/aAAwawNxKH
— Auntie Selina (@auntieselinamo) August 27, 2023
You can’t just build a monstrosity and totally ignore the social, environmental, and cultural impact on the people who originally live there. Those who can afford this will not be living there permanently, but it is the community who will suffer the consequences of this structure https://t.co/XwAnOR3HDB
— Ralph | LF BINIVERSE TIX (@heyralphhey) August 27, 2023
What's the difference between this project of Slater Young in Cebu (L) and Baguio City's Pinget and Quirino Hill (R)? A THREAD
Pinget and Quirino Hill are communities of and built by the COMMON people. It has been resilient to devt aggression and natural disasters……(1/5) pic.twitter.com/E8LGparK7f
— Siyak ni Jason V. #SurfaceDexterAndBazoo (@LokalNaDayo) August 27, 2023
Slater, while explaining the project’s concept and design, emphasized its forward-thinking architecture, sustainability, and practicality.
We don’t need more homes for rich people. We need better, sustainable more affordable homes for everyone else. https://t.co/HXgi0rsmF1
— miguel (@jm_lago) August 26, 2023
issues that havent taken into account during the planning phase: damaging the biodiversity, cutting down old trees, shifting of topography, displacing the IPs https://t.co/PX2bsiC32d
— kino (@kinosansu) August 26, 2023
it's so funny talaga how, usually, the rich stay sheltered or away from the public eye. slater is proof that the more we know about them, the more disillusioned we become when we realize how truly out of touch they can be dhhshshs he used to be just another cutesy hubby/dad https://t.co/1BtzBe61Ne
— Dae (@frauddae) August 26, 2023
Curiously, the project is being marketed as environmentally friendly and a model for future designs aligned with modern times.
On its Facebook page, developer Monterrazas Prime Cebu highlighted the property’s eco-friendly features, including a rainwater irrigation system, solar energy utilization, and electric car-ready infrastructure for residents and guests.
This incident marks the second controversy involving Slater in less than four months.
In May, he faced significant backlash for suggesting that it’s normal for men to have fantasies about other women while in relationships.
Slater subsequently issued an apology, acknowledging his mistake and expressing regret for his earlier remarks. He emphasized that he did not intend to objectify women and recognized the harm in his previous statements.
