Neither overnight public attention nor inherited fortune seems to rattle Matthew Lhuillier.
At 28, the young chef-entrepreneur knows the ball is in his court, and he’s raring to go.
As the founder of Bisaya Brew, he’s learned the tricks of the trade from both sides of his lineage: the Lhuilliers’ business acumen and the Maitland-Smiths’ artistry.
Those who meet him say he’s keyed up yet composed, tickled pink by small wins but always focused on the long game.
He’s a clutch player in more ways than one, laying groundwork while everyone else is focused on the noise.
To some, the online chatter about his personal life feels like a farce, but, Matthew’s story runs on a measured, unhurried rhythm.
He represents a generation of heirs rewriting what legacy looks like in this generation.
Here’s what PEP knows about this fourth-gen member of the M. Lhuillier family.
Matthew Edouard Maitland-Smith Lhuillier
Photo/s: Screengrab from Instagram | @mlullers
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Read: Chie Filomeno in her healing era; Matthew Lhuillier reacts
EARLY LIFE
Full Name
Matthew is endearingly called Matt by his inner circle and regarded as the family’s “sunshine boy.”
But, on paper, his full name stands on the shoulders of two illustrious Cebuano ancestral lines: Matthew Edouard Maitland-Smith Lhuillier.
Age, Birthday, Zodiac Signs
Born on September 3, 1997, Matthew is 28 years old.
His birth under the Virgo sign reflects a personality that is perfectionist, solution-oriented, and grounded—traits often attributed to the sign ruled by Mercury, the planet of intellect and precision.
In Chinese astrology, he falls under the Fire Ox, a symbol of perseverance, strength, and the drive to carve one’s own path despite towering expectations.
Matthew Lhuillier (center) celebrates his birthday with dad Michael Lhuillier (left) and brother Myles Lhuillier (right).
Photo/s: Screengrab from Instagram | @michael.lhuillier
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For his 28th birthday, Matthew’s loved ones surprised him with a cake that perfectly captured his nickname, the “sunshine boy.”
The confection from Cakeology Cebu was a cheerful yellow creation topped with a smiling sun, complete with blushing cheeks and bright rays extending from its crown.
Around the base, small printed cutouts of beer embellish it, while the red lettering spells out “Happy Birthday Matthew.”
Hometown
Though much of Matthew’s childhood was shaped by his years in California, USA, his roots remain deeply Cebuano.
His family maintains their home inside Maria Luisa Estate Park in Cebu City, an enclave known for its serene hills, expansive views, and generations of Cebu’s most established families.
Matthew grew up surrounded by a dual sense of home that always circles back to the island where both sides of his family built their legacies.
(L-R) Myles Lhuillier, MJ Lhuillier, Joanna Maitland-Smith Lhuillier, Matthew Lhuillier, Michael L. Lhuiller.
Photo/s: Screengrab from Instagram | @michael.lhuillier
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Today, he channels that heritage through Bisaya Brew, a proudly local brand that celebrates the distinct flavors and identity of the Visayas.
It’s his way of honoring where he came from, while also contributing to its evolving culture.
Family
Matthew is the middle child of Michael L. Lhuillier, CEO and President of the M Lhuillier Financial Services Group of Companies.
His mother, Joanna Maitland-Smith Lhuillier, is the daughter of the late Robert “Bob” Maitland-Smith, the British designer behind the globally recognized luxury brand that carries his name.
Matthew Lhuillier (center) with parents Michael L. Lhuillier (left) and Joanna Maitland-Smith Lhuillier (right)
Photo/s: Screengrab from Instagram | @michael.lhuillier
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He grew up alongside his brothers, Michael James and Myles, in a close-knit household that valued adventure and togetherness.
The family often traveled through road trips across California, ski escapades in Europe, and boating holidays around Cebu were part of their rhythm.
The Lhuillier family goes boating
Photo/s: Screengrab from Threads | @joannamslhuillier
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EDUCATION
According to his LinkedIn profile, Matthew completed high school at Viewpoint School in Calabasas, California.
Before that, he attended Halstrom Academy in California—a private school that provides one-to-one, flexible learning environment for students in grades 6-12.
Locally, he attended Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu.
Matthew later pursued higher education across several renowned institutions.
He took courses at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, honing his skills in food and beverage management, and attended Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, where he explored the business side of operations.
In 2022, he graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Extension, capping off years of culinary training, management insight, and hospitality expertise.
Matthew Lhuillier graduates from UCLA
Photo/s: Screengrab from Instagram | @michael.lhuillier
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CAREER
Matthew formally introduces himself as the founder and CEO of Bisaya Brew, a homegrown craft beverage company inspired by the rich flavors and culture of the Visayas region.
“Going into the industry as a chef, I thought I was well-prepared,” he once said in a vodcast hosted by “Cebuana” hitmaker Karencitta.
“But I’ll tell you, I became more of a scientist making this beer.
“This blend of culinary creativity and scientific discipline has successfully fused tradition with innovation, crafting a beverage that celebrates the rich flavors, stories, and heritage of the Visayas.”
Bisaya Brew
Photo/s: Screengrab from Instagram | @mlullers
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Before Bisaya Brew came to fruition in 2022, Matthew built a strong foundation through an impressive mix of international work experience:
Food and Beverage Consultant, La Vie Lifestyle (Jan 2024 – present)
Chief Operations Officer, ML Foods (Jan 2024 – present)
Customer Service Specialist, JPMorgan Chase, Los Angeles (Apr 2021 – May 2024)
Home Gourmet Personal Chef Service, Self-Employed (Feb 2023 – Feb 2024)
Sales Executive, Public Storage (Mar 2022 – Apr 2023)
Sous Chef, The Peninsula Hotels (Jan 2020 – May 2022)
Room Sales Intern, Marco Polo Hotels Cebu (May 2019 – Feb 2020)
Matthew Lhuillier
Photo/s: Screengrab from Instagram | @michael.lhuillier
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PERSONAL LIFE
Hobbies
Sports and speed run deep in the Lhuillier household.
A 2020 Tatler feature on Michael L. Lhuillier revealed that he and his three sons—Michael James, Matthew, and Myles—share a passion for both ball games and cars.
Father-son Michael and Matthew root for NFL team Los Angeles Rams at the Super Bowl LVI.
Photo/s: Screengrab from Instagram | @michael.lhuillier
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When everyone’s home, half-court two-on-two basketball games are their go-to bonding ritual.
“The problem is, they all now tower over me,” their father joked, “so it has become more and more difficult for me to keep up.”
Off the court, their shared enthusiasm extends to the garage.
Michael L. Lhuillier’s collection of sports cars has become something of a family project, with his sons eagerly researching models, reading reviews, and scouting the classifieds for new additions.
“I then get consensus for the next car to add or delete from the lot,” he added.
Matthew Lhuillier as a participant in the 2024 Tour de Cebu Historic Sports Car Rally, driving a 1959 Porsche 356 Speedster.
Photo/s: Screengrab from Instagram | @tourdecebu
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Certified Dog Person
The Lhuilliers are also known dog lovers.
Matthew, in particular, often appears in family photos with their golden retriever, Bear—a fitting companion for someone affectionately called the “sunshine boy.”
Matthew Lhuillier with the family golden retriever, Bear
Photo/s: Screengrab from Instagram | @michael.lhuillier
In 2018, the family expanded their pack with Coco and Chanel, a pair of German Shepherds who quickly became fixtures in their household.
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Michael James Lhuillier (left) and Matthew Lhuillier (right) with their pet German Shepherds: Coco and Chanel.
Photo/s: Screengrab from Instagram | @michael.lhuillier
Mental Health
Beyond his sunny disposition, Matthew has also spoken candidly about mental health.
In a May 2025 episode of Cebuana singer Karencitta’s vodcast, he related, “I definitely have had challenges with anxiety, absolutely.
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“Only recently do I feel like I’ve finally really become fully confident in myself. I guess “stable” would be the best way to put it.”
He emphasized the importance of self-work and balance: “What I’ve found is you have to focus on yourself.
“You have to prioritize yourself. You have to prioritize your health.
“Find the people that are healthy for you, and surround yourself with them.”
His coping philosophy leans on being more mindful of his perspective.
“I always make the biggest effort and to never feel sorry for myself. And always try to look at things in a positive way,” he said.
“When I feel affected by someone else, I just try to look at it like I feel bad for that person. I try. For me, that at least works.”
Matthew Lhuillier talks about anxiety at The Karencitta Show.
Photo/s: Screengrab from YouTube | The Karencitta Show
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Matthew added: “Start with having a healthy routine. That was something that helped me a lot. Just continue to learn and educate yourself.
“That’s super important because the day that you kind of give up on that and stop learning new things…
“The most important thing is building that community around you that is really supportive.”
Philanthropy
Matthew has been an Administrative Aide for the MLhuillier Cares Foundation since 2018, contributing to its disaster and humanitarian relief operations.
The foundation’s mission centers on rebuilding and improving schools in underserved communities.
It also provides scholarships to deserving students, ensuring access to education for those with limited means.
Matthew’s rumored relationship with Chie Filomeno
In late September 2025, Matthew’s name began circulating online after he was linked to actress Chie Filomeno.
The speculation started when Chie promoted Bisaya Brew, Matthew’s craft beer brand, on her Instagram Story on September 22, 2025.
She wrote, “Not a fan of beer normally, but gaaahdeym this @bisayabrew changed it. Lami kaayo ni nga beer, way atik [This beer is so good, no joke].”
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Chie Filomeno posts about Bisaya Brew beer
Photo/s: Instagram
Days later, Chie publicly appealed to the public to spare Matthew’s family from the issue.
In a statement shared through her Instagram Stories on September 29, 2025, she wrote:
“I’ve been reading and hearing a lot these past few days and I ask that my past relationship, my present life, and the Lhuillier family be left out of this issue.
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“They don’t deserve to be dragged into something that has nothing to do with them. No further statements will be made at this time.
“I kindly ask that people refrain from speculation or intrusions into my private affairs.”
She followed it up with another message that read, “I may be a public figure, but I am not public property. I ask that my private life remain private.”
Weeks later, on October 17, 2025, Chie posted a carousel of photos with the caption hinting at personal healing following her breakup with actor Jake Cuenca.
Among the first to comment on her post was Matthew, using his Instagram handle @mlullers.
His comment—a single American flag emoji—drew curiosity among netizens, interpreted by some as a subtle nod to freedom.
Chie responded with a plane emoji, further fueling lighthearted speculation about their rumored connection.
Matthew Lhuillier and Chie Filomeno’s interaction on Instagram
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Neither party has confirmed nor denied the relationship.
Read: Chie Filomeno seeks privacy amid Matthew Lhuillier rumors