Watching Herbert Hernandez’s music career unfold has been like witnessing an unstoppable force. His journey could easily be the plot of a hit movie: a talented young boy, learning guitar from his older brother, forms a college band that explodes into national success, and ultimately becomes one of the most prolific songwriters and performers in Filipino history. Now in his early 40s, Herbert Hernandez shows no signs of slowing down or fading from the public eye.
As the lead guitarist of both Moonstar88 (the band he started while studying at the University of Santo Tomas) and 6cyclemind (with whom he has toured since 2010), Hernandez is a true rock star. However, this is only one facet of his incredibly busy life. He has co-founded a thriving advertising agency, GIGIL, has been married to his wife for over 15 years, is a father of three, stays active with biking and running, travels extensively, and also pursues personal projects that are close to his heart.
And did we mention that he’s also known for his humility and gratitude, constantly giving credit to God and his family for his success?
It’s hard not to be a fan of this guy.
From a young age, Hernandez excelled in almost everything he touched—visual arts, music, movies, sports, and academics. Raised by a mother who worked as an insurance sales agent and a father who was a mechanical engineer, he valued a solid education while still keeping his creative passions at the forefront. It was his brother Darwin who taught him to play guitar in high school, but Hernandez never allowed his studies to slip. His wide range of interests made him a well-rounded individual.
He served as student council president, participated in the dance troupe, led the drum and lyre club, and competed in table tennis. Hernandez also triumphed in the Math Olympiad Provincial Competition, winning first place, and received prestigious awards such as the Juan Luna Award and the Gerry Roxas Leadership Award. It seems like everything he touches turns to gold.
This success continued throughout his college years, where he graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Fine Arts, majoring in Advertising. In 1999, he founded Moonstar88, a pop/alternative rock band that has become a staple in the Filipino music scene. Although Hernandez initially focused on being the lead guitarist, it was in 2002 that he pitched an idea for a song that led to his first songwriting experience. That song, “Sulat,” became a huge hit for the band and marked the beginning of his songwriting career. Since then, he has written other fan favorites like “Migraine” and earned recognition from the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (FILSCAP) as one of the top songwriters in the Philippines. This distinction has allowed him to collaborate with fellow composers, arrangers, and interpreters, creating diverse music beyond his work with the band.
It’s hard to believe that at one point, Hernandez considered quitting music altogether. As a rising star in the corporate advertising world, he feared that his music career would distract from his primary career. But his boss at the time encouraged him to continue pursuing music as a creative outlet and stress reliever.
One of Hernandez’s most cherished projects is ‘Lakihan Mo Logo’ (‘Make the Logo Bigger’), a concert series featuring bands made up of Manila-based advertising professionals. This project provides a creative escape for his peers in the advertising world. Over the past 12 years, they’ve held 58 concerts, with some participants even being signed as recording artists. Hernandez also organized 12 “Rockovery” concerts to raise funds for seriously ill members of the advertising industry, combining his two passions: music and advertising.
While fans see Hernandez’s career as a series of stepping stones to superstardom, Hernandez humbly describes each success as a “happy accident.” He attributes his growth and achievements to divine intervention, always giving credit to a higher power rather than his own talent, hard work, or unique perspective.
Constantly striving to uplift Filipino artists, Hernandez co-founded The Indierectory in 2018. The platform helps independent advertising professionals showcase their work to potential employers, creating paid opportunities and fostering connections within the industry. Hernandez hopes to eventually expand the platform globally, further supporting Filipino talent. For him, The Indierectory is one of the projects he holds dearest.
So, what’s next for this beloved Filipino rock star?
While Hernandez continues to perform with Moonstar88 and 6cyclemind across the country, neither band has released a new studio album since 2012. However, Moonstar88 has promised new music in 2023, including a vinyl release titled “Lourdes 2088.”
As GIGIL expands rapidly and takes on major global clients, Hernandez works tirelessly to juggle his music career. His schedule includes long office hours, precious family time, and late-night shows, leaving him with just a few hours of sleep. But it’s all worth it for Hernandez, who remains dedicated to his music and his fans.
When GIGIL was first starting, Hernandez leaned heavily on his music career to bridge the financial gap between leaving his corporate advertising job and launching his own business. While he no longer needs the money, the love and support from his fans keep him deeply invested in his music. Being a rock star provides a unique kind of positive reinforcement, and knowing that he brings joy to others means a lot to Hernandez.
Here’s to many more years of music from Herbert Hernandez, both with Moonstar88 and 6cyclemind.
We love you, Herbert!
