Herbert Hernandez Holds On to Music, and We’re Grateful for It

Herbert Hernandez’s journey in music feels like watching an unstoppable force. His story has all the elements of a blockbuster film: a talented child learns guitar from his older brother, forms a college band that becomes a national sensation, and rises to fame as one of the most accomplished songwriters and performers in Filipino history. Now in his early 40s, Herbert Hernandez shows no signs of slowing down or stepping out of the spotlight.
Hernandez serves as the lead guitarist for two iconic bands—Moonstar88, which he founded during his college years at the University of Santo Tomas, and 6cyclemind, with whom he’s toured since 2010. While he’s undeniably a rock star, his life extends far beyond music. He co-founded the successful advertising agency GIGIL, has been married for over 15 years, is a father of three, stays active with biking and running, frequently travels, and pursues several passion projects.
And yes, he’s also humble and gracious, often crediting God and his family for his remarkable success.
It’s hard not to admire the man.
A Talented All-Rounder from the Start
From a young age, Hernandez excelled at everything he tried—visual arts, music, sports, academics, and more. His parents, an insurance sales agent and a mechanical engineer, emphasized education, but Hernandez always prioritized his creative pursuits. Guided by his brother Darwin, he learned guitar in high school while maintaining top grades. His broad range of interests made him a well-rounded individual.
In high school, he wore many hats: student council president, dance troupe member, drum and lyre club leader, and table tennis player. His accolades included winning first place in the Math Olympiad Provincial Competition, the Juan Luna Award, and the Gerry Roxas Leadership Award. It seemed as though everything he touched turned to gold.
That streak continued into college, 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 remains a staple of the Filipino music scene. Initially content with being the band’s lead guitarist, Hernandez took a leap into songwriting in 2002 when he pitched an idea for a song. That song, “Sulat,” became a massive hit and marked his debut as a songwriter.
Since then, Hernandez has penned hits like “Migraine” and earned recognition as one of the top songwriters in the Philippines by the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (FILSCAP). This honor has allowed him to collaborate with industry arrangers, composers, and song interpreters to explore new musical styles.
Almost Leaving Music Behind
It’s surprising to learn that Hernandez once considered leaving music entirely. As a rising corporate advertising professional, he worried music might derail his career. However, a supportive boss encouraged him to see music as a creative outlet and stress reliever. This advice ultimately allowed him to balance both worlds.
One of Hernandez’s cherished projects is Lakihan Mo Logo (“Make the Logo Bigger”), a concert series that features bands composed of Manila-based ad agency talent. Over the past 12 years, they’ve performed 58 concerts, and some participants even secured recording deals. He also organized 12 “Rockovery” concerts to raise funds for medical expenses of ailing advertising professionals, seamlessly blending his passions for music and advertising.
Championing Filipino Talent
Hernandez’s enthusiasm for uplifting Filipino artists shines through his work. In 2018, he co-founded The Indierectory, a platform connecting advertising freelancers with agencies and companies. This initiative helps Filipino talents find paid gigs and aims to expand its reach globally. For Hernandez, this is one of the projects he’s most passionate about.
What Lies Ahead for Hernandez?
Although Hernandez continues to perform nationwide with Moonstar88 and 6cyclemind, neither band has released a studio album since 2012. Fans can look forward to new music from Moonstar88 in 2023, including a vinyl release titled “Lourdes 2088.”
Meanwhile, GIGIL’s rapid growth demands much of his attention as it takes on major global clients. Juggling his music career and advertising work means long days, brief moments with his family, and late-night gigs—leaving him with just four hours of sleep. It’s a demanding schedule, but one fueled by his love for music and the appreciation of his fans.
When GIGIL was in its early days, Hernandez relied on his music career to bridge financial gaps. Today, while the financial need has diminished, the emotional fulfillment and love from fans keep him committed. Being a rock star, after all, brings unique joy—both to him and to his audience.
Here’s hoping we get many more years of incredible music from Herbert Hernandez and his bands, Moonstar88 and 6cyclemind.
We’re rooting for you, Herbert!