Watching Herbert Hernandez’s journey in the music industry has been nothing short of extraordinary. His story feels like the plot of an inspiring film—a talented young boy learns to play guitar from his older brother, starts a band in college that skyrockets to fame, and ultimately cements his place as one of the most influential songwriters and performers in Filipino music history. Now in his early 40s, Hernandez shows no signs of slowing down or stepping away from the spotlight.
Hernandez is the lead guitarist for two legendary bands—Moonstar88, which he co-founded while studying at the University of Santo Tomas, and 6cyclemind, with whom he has been touring since 2010. While his status as a rock star is well-established, it’s only one aspect of his multifaceted life. Beyond music, he is the co-founder of the thriving advertising agency GIGIL, a dedicated husband of over 15 years, a proud father of three, an avid cyclist and runner, an enthusiastic traveler, and the driving force behind several passion projects.
And if that weren’t impressive enough, Herbert Hernandez remains remarkably humble, attributing his success to his faith and family.
It’s impossible not to admire the guy.
A Born Achiever
From an early age, Hernandez excelled in everything he pursued—whether it was music, visual arts, filmmaking, sports, or academics. Raised by an insurance sales agent mother and a mechanical engineer father, he was encouraged to prioritize education, but he never let go of his creative ambitions. His older brother Darwin introduced him to the guitar during high school, yet Hernandez never let his grades slip. His endless hobbies and interests made him a well-rounded individual.
During his school years, he took on leadership roles, serving as student council president and leading the drum and lyre club. He was also a member of the dance troupe, a competitive table tennis player, and an academic achiever, winning first place in the Math Olympiad Provincial Competition. His accomplishments earned him prestigious accolades such as the Juan Luna Award and the Gerry Roxas Leadership Award.
That winning streak continued into college, where he graduated magna cum laude with a Fine Arts degree in Advertising. In 1999, he founded Moonstar88, a band that would go on to become a staple of the Filipino music scene. Though he initially preferred to stay in the background as a guitarist, a pivotal moment in 2002 changed his career trajectory. When he pitched a song idea, the band’s vocalist insisted he was the best person to write it.
That song, “Sulat,” became a major hit, marking Hernandez’s entry into songwriting. He has since penned fan favorites like “Migraine” and earned recognition from the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (FILSCAP) as one of the country’s top songwriters. This honor has opened doors for him to collaborate with other composers, arrangers, and interpreters, allowing him to explore different musical styles beyond his bands.
Almost Walking Away from Music
It’s hard to believe, but at one point, Hernandez contemplated leaving music behind. As he climbed the corporate ladder in advertising, he feared that his musical pursuits might hinder his career progression. Fortunately, his boss encouraged him to view music as a creative outlet rather than a distraction. That advice ultimately kept him in the industry, much to the delight of his fans.
One of his most cherished initiatives is “Lakihan Mo Logo” (which translates to “Make the Logo Bigger”). This concert series, featuring bands composed of Manila-based advertising professionals, provides an artistic escape for those working in the high-pressure ad industry. Over the past 12 years, they’ve performed 58 concerts, with some participants even landing record deals.
Hernandez also launched “Rockovery”, a series of 12 concerts aimed at raising funds to cover medical expenses for ailing advertising professionals. Through these initiatives, he has seamlessly blended his two passions—music and advertising—to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
A Humble Rockstar with a Vision
While many view Hernandez’s career as a steady rise to superstardom, he humbly refers to it as a series of “happy accidents.” Every breakthrough, every creative milestone—he credits them to divine intervention rather than his own talent and hard work.
Always looking for ways to uplift fellow Filipino artists, Hernandez co-founded The Indierectory in 2018. This platform connects freelance advertising professionals and independent creatives with businesses looking to hire. His vision is to expand this initiative globally, ensuring that Filipino talents gain greater exposure and opportunities.
What’s Next for Herbert Hernandez?
Although Hernandez continues to perform across the Philippines with Moonstar88 and 6cyclemind, neither band has released a studio album since 2012. However, Moonstar88 has promised new music in 2023, including a vinyl release titled “Lourdes 2088.”
Meanwhile, GIGIL is experiencing exponential growth, landing major clients worldwide. Balancing his responsibilities as a business leader and a musician means Hernandez works long hours—spending his days in the office, squeezing in family time, and then heading to nighttime gigs, often surviving on just four hours of sleep. Despite the exhausting schedule, he remains committed to music, driven by the unwavering love and appreciation of his fans.
Looking back, Hernandez recalls how his music career financially sustained him during the early days of launching GIGIL. Today, while he no longer depends on music for income, the passion and connection with his audience keep him going. Few careers provide the kind of positive reinforcement that being a musician does, and knowing that his music brings joy to others means the world to him.
Here’s to many more years of music from Herbert Hernandez, Moonstar88, and 6cyclemind.
We love you, Herbert!
