Slow Cooker Filipino Pork Estofado

Name: Slow Cooker Filipino Pork Estofado
Ingredients: 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil, Divided; 2 pounds Deboned, Spare Rib Pork, Cubed; 3 whole Dried Bay Leaves; 1 Tablespoon Whole Peppercorn; 6 cloves Garlic, Minced; ½ whole Star Anise; ¼ cups Plus 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar, Divided; 1 teaspoon Ginger Powder; ¾ cups Soy Sauce; ½ cups Vinegar; 12 whole Pearl Onions; 2 whole Ripe Plantains, Peeled And Cut Into 2-inch Slices; ¼ cups Cashews; 1 cup Shittake Mushrooms, Sliced; 2 Tablespoons Sake; Sea Salt, to taste