A storyteller between two homes

Born in Canada to parents from São Miguel in the Azores, he taught himself Portuguese as a young man — a decision that shaped everything that followed. For him, the language sits alongside family, music and gastronomy as the things that hold a culture together.

He creates, edits and hosts The Matthew Show, and co-hosts Gente da Nossa with Nellie Pedro — work that has made him one of the most recognizable faces in the Portuguese-Canadian community. Off camera, he is an elected Councillor of the Azorean Diaspora for Ontario, and a tireless organizer for the institutions that keep Azorean culture alive in Canada.

His roots reach across the Atlantic, and that double-belonging — at home in two places at once — runs through everything he does. When he isn't on screen, you might find him rehearsing a marcha, the Portuguese folk parade tradition he'll be performing on the island of Terceira.

“Tudo vale a pena quando a alma não é pequena.”Everything is worthwhile when the soul isn't small. — Fernando Pessoa

Beyond the camera

Born in Canada to parents from São Miguel, Azores. He taught himself Portuguese as a young man, raised on values of faith, family and service.

• Photographyone of his lifelong passions, on and off the show
• Travelfrom the Azores to Barbados and beyond
• Folk music & dancepresident of his folklore group; performs the marcha
• Gastronomymakes his own homemade sausages and pastries

Roles & service