Watching Herbert Hernandez’s journey in the music industry has been nothing short of extraordinary. His story has all the makings of an inspiring film—a musically gifted child, mentored by his older brother, forms a college band that turns into a national sensation, and later cements his place as one of the most influential 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 is the lead guitarist for both Moonstar88, the band he co-founded while studying at the University of Santo Tomas, and 6cyclemind, which he has been touring with since 2010. While his status as a rock star is undeniable, it’s just one part of his multifaceted life. He co-founded the renowned advertising agency GIGIL, has been married for over 15 years, is a devoted father of three, stays active through running and biking, and continues to travel extensively—all while balancing several personal projects close to his heart.
Did we mention he remains humble and grateful, attributing his success to his family and faith?
It’s hard not to admire the guy.
A Well-Rounded Talent From the Start
From a young age, Hernandez excelled in everything he pursued—whether it was music, visual arts, sports, or academics. His mother, an insurance sales agent, and his father, a mechanical engineer, ensured he prioritized education, but his passion for creativity remained at the forefront. His older brother, Darwin, introduced him to the guitar in high school, and despite his deep dive into music, he never let his grades slip.
Hernandez’s list of achievements during his school years is impressive. He served as student council president, performed in the dance troupe, led the drum and lyre club, and played table tennis. His academic brilliance was evident when he won first place in the Math Olympiad Provincial Competition and earned prestigious honors such as the Juan Luna Award and the Gerry Roxas Leadership Award. It seemed as though everything he touched turned to gold.
His streak of success continued into college, where he graduated magna cum laude with a Fine Arts degree, majoring in Advertising. In 1999, he co-founded Moonstar88, a pop-alternative rock band that has since become a staple in the Filipino music scene. Though primarily the band’s lead guitarist, Hernandez’s songwriting skills took center stage in 2002 when he pitched a song idea that the band’s vocalist felt he was best suited to write.
That song, “Sulat”, became a major hit and marked his entry into songwriting. Over the years, he has penned several fan-favorite tracks, including “Migraine”, and was recognized by the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (FILSCAP) as one of the country’s top songwriters. This recognition opened doors to collaborations with composers, industry arrangers, and interpreters, allowing him to explore music beyond his own bands.
Almost Walking Away From Music
Surprisingly, there was a point when Hernandez contemplated leaving music altogether. As a young professional climbing the corporate advertising ladder, he worried that his music career might hinder his professional growth. However, a former boss advised him to view music as an outlet for creativity and stress relief, rather than a distraction. This perspective shift allowed him to juggle both careers seamlessly.
One of his most cherished projects is “Lakihan Mo Logo” (Make the Logo Bigger), a concert series featuring bands formed by Manila-based advertising agency professionals. It provides a creative escape for those in the ad industry, with 58 concerts held over 12 years, and some participants even landing recording deals. Hernandez also spearheaded 12 “Rockovery” benefit concerts, raising funds for advertising professionals facing medical hardships—blending his love for music and advertising to make a meaningful impact.
Championing Filipino Talent
While fans see Hernandez’s journey as a steady climb to stardom, he views it as a series of “happy accidents.” Every opportunity to refine his craft or express himself further, he credits to divine intervention—though his raw talent, dedication, and unique perspective clearly play a major role.
In 2018, he co-founded The Indierectory, a platform that connects freelance creatives in the advertising industry with potential clients. Passionate about empowering Filipino independent talents, he hopes to expand this initiative globally, providing more opportunities for local creatives to showcase their work.
What’s Next for Herbert Hernandez?
Although Moonstar88 and 6cyclemind continue performing nationwide, neither band has released a studio album since 2012. That’s set to change with Moonstar88’s upcoming vinyl release, “Lourdes 2088,” in 2023—a much-anticipated return to the studio.
Meanwhile, GIGIL continues to flourish, handling major international clients. Balancing his high-profile advertising career and music commitments means long days at the office, brief moments with family, and late-night gigs, often running on just four hours of sleep. Despite the exhaustion, it’s a passion project he refuses to give up—and fans are grateful for it.
In the early days of GIGIL, Hernandez leaned heavily on his music career to supplement his income. Today, financial stability is no longer a concern, but the unwavering support from fans keeps him invested. There aren’t many careers that offer the level of love and appreciation that being a rock star does, and Hernandez deeply values the joy he brings to his audience.
Here’s hoping we get many more years of incredible music from Herbert Hernandez, Moonstar88, and 6cyclemind.
We love you, Herbert!