Herbert D. Hernandez

Born on April 15, 1981, in Quezon City, Philippines, Herbert D. Hernandez displayed an early flair for both music and mathematics. His journey with the guitar began at the young age of nine, under the mentorship of his brother, Darwin Hernandez. As a student, Herbert not only excelled academically but also demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities. He represented Rizal in the Math Olympiad and served as president of the student council at St. Matthew’s Academy, where he earned accolades such as the Gerry Roxas Leadership Award and the Juan Luna Award for Outstanding Artist of the Batch.

Herbert pursued his passion for creativity and leadership at the University of Santo Tomas, where he majored in Fine Arts with a focus on Advertising. His leadership skills continued to shine as he was elected president of the College of Fine Arts and Design’s student council. In 1999, while still a student, Herbert co-founded the band Moonstar88, marking the start of an illustrious music career. He graduated with honors in 2002, receiving the UST Rector’s Award and the UST Quezon Leadership Award for his outstanding academic achievements.

Career in Advertising

Herbert Hernandez’s foray into the advertising industry began shortly after his graduation. In 2003, he joined J. Walter Thompson Manila as an Art Director, working on significant campaigns for brands like Red Horse Musiklaban, Ford, and Lipton. His creative talent quickly propelled him through the ranks, and by 2006, he had become a Creative Director at DM9JaymeSyfu, where he developed innovative campaigns for Tanduay Ice, Smart Telecom, and the Department of Health.

In 2012, Herbert took on the role of Executive Creative Director at Young & Rubicam, Manila, where he led successful campaigns for major brands such as SMART Telecom, Caltex, and Ford Philippines. His expertise and leadership culminated in the founding of GIGIL Advertising Group Inc. in 2017. Under his guidance, GIGIL quickly gained prominence, winning over 180 local and global awards in just five years. The agency was named Campaign Philippines Independent Agency of the Year and Creative Agency of the Year in 2020. GIGIL’s impressive portfolio includes creative campaigns for renowned brands such as 7-Eleven, Netflix, Jollibee, Levi’s, and Unilever. In 2021, Adage honored GIGIL as the International Small Agency of the Year, further solidifying Herbert’s impact on the advertising industry.

Musical Career

Beyond his success in advertising, Herbert Hernandez is a celebrated figure in the Philippine music scene. He is a founding member, guitarist, and songwriter of Moonstar88, a band that has released four studio albums: Popcorn, Press to Play, Todo Combo, and This Year. The band’s hit song “Migraine” has amassed over 100 million streams on Spotify, making it one of the most popular tracks in the country.

Herbert’s musical talents extend beyond Moonstar88; he is also a guitarist for the band 6cyclemind. His contributions to the album Goodbye Sunday further underscore his versatility and talent as a musician. Through his work with these bands, Herbert has become a significant figure in the Filipino music industry, inspiring countless fans and fellow musicians alike.

Awards and Recognitions

Herbert Hernandez’s exceptional contributions to music, advertising, and entrepreneurship have earned him numerous accolades. In 2021, Adweek’s Creative 100 named him one of “The Most Inspiring Talents of 2021,” recognizing his innovative approach and significant impact on the creative industry.

In 2020, Herbert was also honored by Campaign Asia as one of their “40 Under 40,” highlighting his leadership and influence in the advertising world. His creative agency, GIGIL, has garnered widespread acclaim, being named “Creative Agency of the Year” by Campaign Asia in 2020.

GIGIL’s innovative work has not only dominated the local advertising scene but also made a mark on the global stage. The agency has received multiple awards at prestigious international events, including Cannes, One Show, AWARD Awards, The Clios, ADFEST, APAC Effies, LIA, AD Stars, and Spikes Asia. These accolades are a testament to the outstanding performance and creative excellence that Herbert Hernandez and his team consistently deliver.

Personal Life

Herbert Hernandez resides in Manila, Philippines, with his wife, Heidi Borja Hernandez, who is a beauty queen, makeup artist, and commercial model. Together, they form a dynamic duo, excelling in their respective fields while supporting each other in both personal and professional endeavors.