Michel Lhuillier

 A man for all seasons

 By Earl D.C. Bracamonte

Young entrepreneurs, especially those who have to prove their mettle as of yet, can learn a lot from Michel Lhuillier's work ethics. The octagenarian tycoon starts his workday at 9 in the morning and caps off his dealings at 9 in the evening. He does an impressive 12-hour daily routine that even guys half his age will have a hard time following. So it is not surprising that his business conglomerate is enjoying tremendous success.

On Saturdays, the French consul can be seen at his farm and/or planations, also engrossed with his plants. A lover of nature and expansive verdure, he fits the description of what millennials call a 'plantito.'  At one time, he has filled his orchidarium with over three million varieties! Imagine that!

Monsieur Lhuillier's business acumen shone through even at a younger age. A very enterprising lad, he would sell useful items like wristwatches and slippers, as well as lend money in small amounts. It is the latter undertaking that would take shape into what is now known as the ML Pawnshop chain. With over 3,000 outlets here and abroad, the said venture has earned him the epithet "Pawnshop King of the Philippines."

He was born to Henry Lhuillier, a Frenchman, and Angelita Escaňo Jones, a Filipino-Spanish mestiza. He is married to socialite Amparito Llamas, and Hollywood fashion designer Monique Lhuillier is their proud daughter. Monsieur Michel is also known for his terpsichorean prowess, an ability that made him win the heart of his wife, at the dance floor, during their years of courtship.

The ML Group of Companies is the umbrella organization to such labels as Mont St. Michel drinking water, El Mar resort & spa, Seňoritas chicken, Cattleya Gardens memorial park, Mr. Potato Philippines, ML ice plant, ML taxi service (in Leyte), Pizzeria Michaelangelo, Cebu Safari & Adventure Park, Maria Louisa estate park, Sogod beach resort, and the ML Pawnshop, among many others.

During his very spare time, Monsiuer Michel could be seen riding his helicopter or sailing his yacht. His zoo in Carmen town is still being fine tuned before opening its doors to the general public. His zip line at the Cebu Safari & Adventure Park is the longest and highest - running the distance of 1.3 kms from a height of 671 meters above sea level.

A man of many interests and persuasions, he is also known as a benevolent philanthropist and supports a number of crusades and causes close to his heart.