Herbert Hernandez: Holding Onto Music, Inspiring Us All

Following Herbert Hernandez’s music career has been nothing short of remarkable. His journey feels like the plot of an incredible film: a talented young boy, taught guitar by his older brother, forms a college band that rises to national fame, and eventually carves out a legacy as 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.

As the lead guitarist for both Moonstar88—a band he founded during his college years at the University of Santo Tomas—and 6cyclemind, with whom he has toured since 2010, Hernandez’s career as a rock star is undeniable. Yet, music is only one piece of his multifaceted life. He co-founded the thriving advertising agency GIGIL, has been happily married for over 15 years, is a dedicated father of three, stays active through biking and running, travels widely, and passionately pursues pet projects that reflect his values and interests.

Did we mention he’s incredibly humble? Herbert Hernandez credits God and his family for all his success, making him even more endearing.

From the start, Hernandez excelled in almost everything he attempted. Visual arts, music, movies, sports, and academics were all part of his repertoire. With a mechanical engineer for a father and an insurance sales agent for a mother, he balanced creativity with a strong focus on education. His older brother Darwin taught him guitar in high school, but he always kept his grades top-notch. A true all-rounder, Herbert’s list of achievements grew early on.

In high school, Hernandez served as student council president, joined the dance troupe, led the drum and lyre club, and played table tennis. He also claimed first place in the Math Olympiad Provincial Competition and won accolades like the Juan Luna Award and the Gerry Roxas Leadership Award. Everything he touched seemed to turn to gold.

That streak of success carried over to college, where Hernandez graduated magna cum laude with a Fine Arts degree, majoring in Advertising. He also founded Moonstar88 in 1999, a pop/alternative rock band that became a mainstay of the Filipino music scene. While he initially stuck to being the band’s lead guitarist, in 2002, he pitched the idea for a song that the band’s vocalist insisted he write. That song, “Sulat,” became a massive hit and marked the beginning of his songwriting journey.

Since then, Hernandez has penned some of the band’s most beloved tracks, like “Migraine.” Recognized as one of the top songwriters by the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (FILSCAP), Hernandez has also collaborated with fellow composers, arrangers, and interpreters to create music beyond his work with Moonstar88.

Surprisingly, there was a time when Hernandez contemplated leaving music entirely. As a young advertising professional climbing the corporate ladder, he worried that music might derail his career. But with encouragement from his boss, he embraced music as a creative outlet and stress reliever, which ultimately enriched both his personal and professional life.

One of Hernandez’s standout initiatives is “Lakihan Mo Logo” (“Make the Logo Bigger”), a concert series featuring Manila-based ad agency talent. This project provides his advertising peers with a way to de-stress through music. Over the past 12 years, the series has hosted 58 concerts, and some participants have even signed recording deals. Additionally, Hernandez organized 12 “Rockovery” benefit concerts to raise funds for ill advertising professionals, seamlessly blending his two passions: music and advertising.

To fans, Hernandez’s career might seem like a carefully planned ascent to superstardom. However, he humbly describes each milestone as a “happy accident,” attributing his success to divine intervention rather than his undeniable talent, hard work, and unique perspective.

In 2018, Hernandez co-founded The Indierectory, another project close to his heart. This platform connects Filipino advertising freelancers and independents with hiring agencies and companies. Passionate about uplifting local talent, Hernandez envisions expanding the platform globally, making it one of his most exciting ventures.

What’s Next for Herbert Hernandez?

Hernandez continues to perform with Moonstar88 and 6cyclemind, playing gigs across the Philippines. While neither band has released a studio album since 2012, Moonstar88 has promised new music in 2023, including a vinyl release titled “Lourdes 2088.”

As GIGIL grows into one of the world’s most prominent advertising agencies, Hernandez juggles long office hours, family time, and late-night gigs, often surviving on just four hours of sleep. Despite the grueling schedule, his fans are grateful that he remains committed to making music.

When GIGIL was in its early stages, Hernandez relied heavily on his music career to bridge financial gaps after leaving his advertising executive role. Today, while he no longer depends on music for income, the unwavering love and support from fans keep him motivated. Few careers offer the kind of positive reinforcement that being a rock star does, and knowing that his work brings joy to others means everything to Hernandez.

Here’s to many more years of Herbert Hernandez gracing us with his music, both with Moonstar88 and 6cyclemind.

We’re rooting for you, Herbert!