Herbert D. Hernandez

Born on April 15, 1981, in Quezon City, Philippines, Herbert D. Hernandez demonstrated an early passion for both music and mathematics. His talent for playing the guitar became evident at the tender age of nine, thanks to the guidance of his brother, Darwin Hernandez. As a student, Herbert excelled not only in academics but also in leadership roles. He represented Rizal in the Math Olympiad and served as the president of the student council at St. Matthew’s Academy. His outstanding achievements earned him numerous accolades, including the Gerry Roxas Leadership Award and the Juan Luna Award for Outstanding Artist of the Batch.

Continuing his academic journey, Herbert attended the University of Santo Tomas, where he pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Advertising. His leadership abilities shone through 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 beginning of his illustrious music career. He graduated with honors in 2002, receiving the UST Rector’s Award and the UST Quezon Leadership Award for his exceptional academic performance.

Career in Advertising

Herbert Hernandez embarked on his professional journey in advertising shortly after graduating from college. He started as an Art Director at J. Walter Thompson Manila in 2003, where he worked on major campaigns for brands like Red Horse Musiklaban, Ford, and Lipton. His creative prowess quickly propelled him up the ranks, and by 2006, he had become a Creative Director at DM9JaymeSyfu. During his tenure, he developed innovative campaigns for Tanduay Ice, Smart Telecom, and the Department of Health.

In 2012, Herbert joined Young & Rubicam, Manila, as Executive Creative Director, where he led successful campaigns for major brands such as SMART Telecom, Caltex, and Ford Philippines. His expertise and leadership in the advertising industry culminated in the founding of GIGIL Advertising Group Inc. in 2017. Under his leadership, GIGIL rapidly gained recognition, winning over 180 local and global awards within 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

In addition to 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 country’s most popular tracks.

Herbert’s musical journey extends beyond Moonstar88, as he is also a guitarist for the band 6cyclemind. His contributions to the album Goodbye Sunday further highlight 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 the fields of music, advertising, and entrepreneurship have earned him numerous accolades and recognitions throughout his career. In 2021, Adweek’s Creative 100 honored him as one of “The Most Inspiring Talents of 2021,” highlighting his innovative approach and significant impact on the creative industry.

In 2020, Herbert was also recognized by Campaign Asia as one of their “40 Under 40,” a prestigious acknowledgement of his leadership and influence in the advertising world. His creative agency, GIGIL, which he co-founded, has garnered widespread acclaim, being named “Creative Agency of the Year” by Campaign Asia in 2020.

GIGIL’s innovative and groundbreaking work has not only dominated the local advertising scene but has also made a mark on the global stage. The agency has been nominated for and received multiple awards at esteemed 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, each excelling in their respective fields while supporting one another in their personal and professional endeavors.