Watching Herbert Hernandez’s music career is like witnessing an unstoppable force. His journey reads like the script of an inspiring movie: a gifted child, guided in guitar by his older brother, forms a band in college that becomes a national sensation, and ultimately evolves into one of the most prolific songwriters and performers in Filipino music history. Now in his early 40s, Hernandez shows no signs of slowing down or fading from the spotlight.
Hernandez is the lead guitarist for both Moonstar88, the band he started in college at the University of Santo Tomas, and 6cyclemind, with whom he’s toured since 2010. A true rock star, Hernandez also co-founded the successful advertising agency GIGIL, has been happily married for over 15 years, is a father of three, and keeps fit through biking and running. Alongside, he travels widely and manages personal projects close to his heart.
Not only is he talented, but he’s also humble, constantly crediting God and his family for his achievements.
It’s tough not to admire him.
From a young age, Herbert Hernandez thrived in various fields, including visual arts, music, movies, sports, and academics. Despite his creative inclinations, he upheld his education, thanks to his mother, an insurance sales agent, and his father, a mechanical engineer. Taught guitar by his brother Darwin in high school, he balanced his passion for music with his academic pursuits. His diverse interests made him an exceptionally well-rounded individual.
Hernandez’s high school achievements were vast: he served as student council president, joined the dance troupe, led the drum and lyre club, excelled in table tennis, won first place in the Math Olympiad Provincial Competition, and earned both the Juan Luna Award and the Gerry Roxas Leadership Award. It seemed everything he touched turned to gold.
His success continued in college, where he graduated magna cum laude in Fine Arts, majoring in Advertising. In 1999, he founded Moonstar88, a pop/alternative rock band that would become iconic in the Filipino music scene. Though he initially intended to stay as the lead guitarist, in 2002, he pitched an idea for a song that the band’s vocalist felt he was best suited to write.
Fortunately, he took on the challenge, and “Sulat” became a major hit, marking his entry into songwriting. This success led to other favorites, like “Migraine.” Recognized by the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (FILSCAP) as one of the top songwriters in the Philippines, Hernandez has had opportunities to collaborate with composers, arrangers, and interpreters outside his bands.
Remarkably, Hernandez once considered quitting music. As his advertising career advanced, he worried that music might distract from his main profession. But his boss advised him to keep music as a creative outlet and stress relief, and he decided to continue.
One of Hernandez’s cherished projects is ‘Lakihan Mo Logo’ (‘Make the Logo Bigger’), a concert series for Manila-based advertising talent to unwind through music. Over the past 12 years, they’ve performed 58 concerts, and some participants have gone on to become recording artists. Additionally, he organized 12 “Rockovery” concerts to help cover medical expenses for ill members of the advertising industry, merging his passions for music and advertising for a meaningful cause.
While fans see his career as a path to stardom, Hernandez humbly calls each achievement a “happy accident.” Each new level of talent and self-expression, he attributes to divine intervention rather than his own skills, dedication, or unique outlook.
Hernandez’s commitment to elevating Filipino artists is further showcased in another project combining his two passions. In 2018, he co-founded The Indierectory, a platform where independent and freelance talents in advertising can showcase their work directly to hiring agencies and companies. This platform aims to connect Filipino creatives with paid gigs, ultimately aspiring to reach an international level. For Hernandez, The Indierectory represents one of his most exciting endeavors.
So, what’s next for this beloved Filipino rock star?
Though Hernandez continues performing with Moonstar88 and 6cyclemind across the Philippines, neither band has released a studio album since 2012. Moonstar88 is set to release new music in 2023 with a vinyl titled “Lourdes 2088.”
As GIGIL’s growth brings in top global clients, Hernandez balances his demanding advertising career with his passion for music. His days stretch long, with office work followed by family time and nightly gigs, often leaving him only four hours of sleep. Yet, his fans remain grateful for his dedication to performing and creating music.
In GIGIL’s early days, Hernandez relied on his music income to bridge financial gaps after stepping down from an advertising executive role to launch his business. Today, while finances aren’t the main motivator, the love from fans keeps him committed to music. The unique joy he brings to people is a powerful reason for him to stay on stage.
Here’s hoping for many more years of music from Herbert Hernandez, both with Moonstar88 and 6cyclemind.
We love you, Herbert!
