In the vibrant landscape of Manila, Herbert Hernandez emerges as a dynamic force – a professional advertiser during the day and rockstar by night. His invaluable contributions have left an indelible mark on the city’s thriving creative industries.
The lead guitarist and songwriter for alternative rock band 6cyclemind, and alternative pop band, Moonstar88 is transforming Manila’s creative scene and inspiring professionals to push boundaries. With over 20 years of experience in advertising, his 6-year-old company, GIGIL, stands as a prominent milestone, shaping the future of Manila’s creative scene with its innovative spirit and collaborative approach.
Early Beginnings and Artistic Pursuits
Herbert Hernandez’s artistic journey was inspired by his high-achieving parents and musically inclined brother, Darwin. His father was a mechanical engineer, while his mother made top sales as an insurance agent. He was raised in the church, which he believes instilled values that make him the man he is today.
While he was in high school, his older brother Darwin, taught him how to play the guitar. Herbert developed a profound love for music, fueled by an innate sense of creativity. This led him to form the band Moonstar88 in 1999. As lead guitarist, his musical talents shone brightly.
It wasn’t until 2002 that Herbert wrote his first song, “Sulat.” It went on to become the most-played OPM song in the Philippines. In collaboration with fellow band members, Moonstar88 is recognized for its soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. The talented songwriter is also a member of the popular band 6cyclemind, which he joined in 2010.
Delving into advertising in 2003, Hernandez explored another facet of his creativity. Beginning as a freelance graphic designer, he was later hired by J. Walter Thompson (JWT) Manila, an advertisement company. His move to start up DM9 after a few years saw his career transition from Senior Art Director to Creative Director over six years. He then went to Young & Rubicam (Y&R) as one of the youngest Executive Creative Directors, before deciding to partner with a friend and ex-colleague in 2017– thus, the founding of GIGIL.
The Rise of GIGIL
The story of GIGIL’s inception is one of passion and vision. Herbert founded GIGIL in 2017 alongside Badong Abesamis, a 2010 inductee into the Creative Guild of the Philippines Hall of Fame–a partnership made in career heaven. Abesamis brings years of writing expertise, complementing Hernandez’s creative vision. Together, they have mastered the art of storytelling through diverse mediums, captivating audiences and clients alike with their unique approach.
At the heart of GIGIL’s success is its collaborative spirit. Team members work cohesively, fostering an environment where innovative ideas thrive, and clients’ visions come to life. This collective synergy has been pivotal in GIGIL’s journey in exciting Manila’s creative scene, setting new standards for success.
Nurturing a Vibrant Creative Culture
GIGIL fosters a unique work culture that upholds creativity and growth. Although they attract many, the agency only retains top-tier talent, recognizing individual strengths and contributions.
The agency empowers its professionals to excel, providing them with opportunities to showcase their skills and make a meaningful impact. Innovative ideas are encouraged, and team members feel empowered to push boundaries. GIGIL’s commitment to nurturing creativity allows employees to flourish, contributing their unique skills to collective success.
Looking ahead, GIGIL aspires to play a prominent role in shaping Manila’s creative landscape. As of October 2022, they have expanded to Toronto and NY, marking significant milestones for the company. Although Herbert Hernandez has to split his time between advertising, music, and family, he says there are further plans to expand to other neighboring countries soon.
Balancing Success and Personal Life
Herbert Hernandez’s approach to balancing career accomplishments and personal fulfillment revolves around prioritizing family as his “most precious project.” Despite a busy schedule, he shares meals, plays games, and spends quality moments daily with his loved ones. One day each week is reserved exclusively for family bonding, and they usually go on an international vacation every year.
Hernandez says he embraces a holistic outlook to achieve happiness and success. He finds fulfillment in his creative endeavors and personal relationships by maintaining a solid connection with his family, nurturing his health, and striking a balance between work and personal life.
Herbert Hernandez’s Inspiring Message
Herbert Hernandez emphasizes the immense power of passion and dedication in reaching one’s goals. His unwavering commitment to his creative pursuits has been instrumental in his journey to success. He believes that every individual possesses unique talents that, when nurtured, lead to extraordinary achievements.
Reflecting on his own experiences, Herbert Hernandez underscores the significance of nurturing a positive and supportive environment in creative environments. He encourages others to explore their creativity and potential, urging them to pursue their passions.
The Bottom Line
As we celebrate his remarkable achievements, Hernandez’s story serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring creatives to make their mark and leave a lasting impact on the world. His contribution to the pop and rock scene, years of highly accredited advertising work, and the founding of GIGIL stands as a testament to the limitless potential of creativity.
