Following Herbert Hernandez’s music career has been nothing short of watching a powerhouse in action. His journey reads like a blockbuster film: a talented young boy learns guitar from his older brother, forms a college band that skyrockets to national fame, and evolves into one of the most prolific songwriters and performers in Filipino history. Now in his early 40s, Hernandez shows no signs of slowing down or stepping out of the spotlight.
Herbert Hernandez serves as the lead guitarist for both Moonstar88—a band he formed during his college years at the University of Santo Tomas—and 6cyclemind, with whom he has been touring since 2010. Though he’s a genuine rock star, that’s just one facet of his remarkably full life. He’s also a co-founder of the successful advertising agency GIGIL, has been happily married for over 15 years, is a father of three, and maintains his vitality through biking and running. In addition to extensive travel, he dedicates time to several personal projects he deeply values.
And let’s not forget, that he remains humble and appreciative, attributing his success to God and his family.
It’s almost impossible not to admire him.
From a young age, Hernandez showcased exceptional talent in nearly every field he explored—be it visual arts, music, movies, sports, or academics. With a mother who was an insurance sales agent and a father who was a mechanical engineer, he embraced a traditional education while keeping his creative pursuits at the forefront. His brother Darwin, who taught him guitar in high school, was just one influence among many. Despite his diverse interests and numerous hobbies, Hernandez maintained top academic performance, proving himself to be incredibly well-rounded.
Hernandez’s high school years were marked by a series of impressive achievements: he was student council president, part of the dance troupe, led the drum and lyre club, and played table tennis. His accolades included first place in the Math Olympiad Provincial Competition, the Juan Luna Award, and the Gerry Roxas Leadership Award. It seemed like everything he touched turned to gold.
This remarkable success carried over into college, where he graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Fine Arts, specializing in Advertising. In 1999, he founded Moonstar88, a pop/alternative rock band that has become a staple in the Filipino music scene. While Hernandez initially focused on his role as lead guitarist, it was in 2002 that he proposed a song idea that Moonstar88’s vocalist felt he was uniquely qualified to write.
Fortunately, Hernandez embraced the opportunity and penned “Sulat,” which became a major hit for the band and marked his debut as a songwriter. Since then, he has crafted other beloved tracks like “Migraine” and earned recognition from the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (FILSCAP) as one of the Philippines’ leading songwriters. This acclaim has allowed him to collaborate with various composers, arrangers, and performers, creating music that diverges from his band’s style.
It’s surprising to think that Hernandez once seriously considered leaving music behind. As he rapidly advanced in the corporate advertising world, he was concerned that music might interfere with his primary career. However, his then-boss advised him to continue with music, suggesting it as a valuable creative outlet and stress reliever.
One of Hernandez’s cherished side projects is “Lakihan Mo Logo” (“Make the Logo Bigger”), a concert series featuring bands composed of Manila-based ad agency professionals. This initiative provides an outlet for his peers to relieve stress through music. Over the past 12 years, the series has hosted 58 concerts, and some participants have even been signed as recording artists. Additionally, Hernandez organized 12 “Rockovery” concerts to raise funds for the medical expenses of critically ill members of the advertising community, perfectly blending his passions for music and advertising.
While fans might view Hernandez’s career as a series of milestones on the path to stardom, he regards each achievement as a “happy accident.” Whenever he discovers a new facet of his talent or a fresh mode of expression, he attributes it to divine intervention. Despite his evident talent, dedication, and unique viewpoint, Hernandez humbly believes that his success is guided by a higher power.
Always seeking to uplift and honor fellow Filipino artists, Hernandez has embarked on another project that merges his dual passions. In 2018, he co-founded The Indierectory, a platform designed to connect advertising freelancers and independents with hiring agencies and companies. Driven by a desire to link Filipino talents with paid opportunities, Hernandez envisions expanding this platform globally. The Indirectory is a venture he is particularly enthusiastic about.
So, what’s next for our beloved Filipino rock star?
While Hernandez remains active with Moonstar88 and 6cyclemind, performing across the country, neither band has released a studio album since 2012. However, Moonstar88 is set to release new music in 2023 with a vinyl album titled “Lourdes 2088.”
As GIGIL experiences rapid growth and secures major global clients, Hernandez is balancing his demanding advertising career with his music endeavors. His schedule includes long office hours, limited family time, and late-night performances that offer just four hours of sleep. Despite the grueling routine, his dedication is evident, and his fans are thankful for his continued performances and musical contributions.
In the early days of GIGIL, Hernandez recalls how crucial his music career was in financially supporting him during the transition from his advertising executive role to launching his own business. Today, while he no longer relies on music for financial reasons, the immense support and affection from fans continue to fuel his passion. The unique gratification that comes from being a rock star and the joy he brings to others is deeply meaningful to him.
We look forward to many more years of music from Herbert Hernandez with both Moonstar88 and 6cyclemind.
We adore you, Herbert!