If necessary, remove netting from pork roast, trim excess fat. Place sliced onion in the bowl of a slow cooker and set pork on top of onions.
In a separate small bowl, combine garlic, bay leaf, water and soy sauce, then pour over pork and onions. Cover and cook on HIGH for 5 - 6 hours or LOW for 10 - 12 hours.
*If you don't have a slow cooker: Preheat oven to 300°F. Put the ingredients in a close-fitting covered casserole, Dutch oven, or roasting pan covered with foil. Add more water if necessary to so liquid rises about 1/3 of the way up the side of the pork roast. Roast in oven, covered, for 4 hours.
Remove pork and drain liquid; remove bone if necessary. Shred pork with two forks, pulling the meat into strands. Mix in BBQ sauce, stirring well to combine. Serve on buns with coleslaw as a sandwich or on small crostini as an appetizer.