Herbert Hernandez, GIGIL Co-Founder: Building a Legacy of Creative Excellence in Philippine Advertising
Herbert Hernandez is a name that embodies the intersection of artistry, innovation, and leadership. A Filipino artist, songwriter, guitarist, and advertising executive, he has made a lasting impact in multiple creative industries, from advertising to music. Hernandez’s journey, marked by his diverse talents and accomplishments, paints a picture of an individual who continues to inspire through his work, both on and off the stage.
Early Life and Education: A Passion for Art, Music, and Leadership
Born on April 15, 1981, in Quezon City, Philippines, Herbert Hernandez’s life was shaped by his early passion for both music and mathematics. His musical journey began at the age of nine when his brother, Darwin Hernandez, introduced him to the guitar—a moment that would define much of his career.
As a young student, Hernandez exhibited not only a passion for creativity but also a remarkable aptitude for leadership and academics. He represented Rizal in the prestigious Math Olympiad and led as president of St. Matthews Academy’s student council. His achievements in high school were further recognized when he received the Gerry Roxas Leadership Award and the Juan Luna Award for Outstanding Artist of the Batch.
Herbert continued to excel academically and creatively at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), where he pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Advertising. His leadership skills flourished as he was elected president of the College of Fine Arts and Design’s student council. Hernandez’s academic excellence was acknowledged through prestigious honors like the UST Rector’s Award and the UST Quezon Leadership Award. In 1999, he co-founded the band Moonstar88, marking the beginning of his dual career as both a creative professional and musician.
A Career in Advertising: Building a Creative Legacy
Herbert Hernandez’s professional journey took flight in the advertising world after his graduation in 2002, when he began his career as an Art Director at J. Walter Thompson Manila. During his time there, he worked on high-profile campaigns for brands like Red Horse Musiklaban, Ford, and Lipton.
His career continued to soar as he transitioned to DM9JaymeSyfu in 2006, where he served as a Creative Director for six years, creating memorable campaigns for Tanduay Ice, Smart Telecom, and the Department of Health. Hernandez’s leadership and creative vision were evident in every campaign he touched. His influence grew stronger when he became the Executive Creative Director at Young & Rubicam Manila, where he shaped successful campaigns for SMART Telecom, Caltex, and Ford Philippines.
In 2017, Hernandez took a bold step by founding his own agency, GIGIL Advertising Group Inc. The agency, under his guidance, quickly made a name for itself, winning over 180 local and global awards in just five years. Campaign Philippines honored GIGIL as the Independent Agency of the Year and Creative Agency of the Year in 2020. Furthermore, Adage recognized GIGIL as the International Small Agency of the Year in 2021, cementing its place as a major player in the global creative industry.
Hernandez’s strategic approach to advertising has attracted renowned brands such as 7-Eleven, Netflix, Jollibee, Levi’s, and Unilever. His work continues to push the boundaries of creativity, delivering innovative solutions that resonate deeply with audiences.
Musical Legacy: From Moonstar88 to Mega Hits
While his career in advertising has been exceptional, Herbert Hernandez’s musical journey is just as remarkable. As a founding member of Moonstar88, Hernandez contributed to the band’s distinct sound as both a guitarist and songwriter. Over the years, Moonstar88 has released four studio albums: Popcorn, Press to Play, Todo Combo, and This Year. The band’s music has become synonymous with the Filipino rock scene.
One of Moonstar88’s greatest successes, ‘Migraine’, has become an anthem for many Filipinos. Written by Hernandez, the song has accumulated over 100 million streams on Spotify, making it one of the country’s most-streamed songs. Hernandez’s ability to create music that connects with listeners on an emotional level is a testament to his artistic talent.
In addition to his work with Moonstar88, Hernandez also played guitar for 6cyclemind, contributing to the band’s iconic Goodbye Sunday album. Through his work as a musician, Hernandez continues to influence the Filipino music scene, blending heartfelt lyrics with memorable melodies.
Awards and Recognition: Celebrating Creative Excellence
Herbert Hernandez’s excellence has been widely acknowledged across both advertising and music. Among his many accolades are being named “The Most Inspiring Talents of 2021” by Adweek’s Creative 100 and earning a spot on Campaign Asia’s “40 Under 40” in 2020. These prestigious recognitions reflect his significant impact on the creative industries and his ability to inspire others to pursue their passions.
GIGIL’s outstanding achievements have also earned the agency multiple prestigious awards, including nominations at Cannes, One Show, The Clios, ADFEST, Spikes Asia, and more. These accolades are a testament to Hernandez’s leadership and creative vision, which continue to influence both local and international markets.
Personal Life: A Creative Family
Beyond his professional and artistic achievements, Herbert Hernandez leads a fulfilling personal life. He is married to Heidi Borja Hernandez, a beauty queen, makeup artist, and commercial model. The couple resides in Manila, where Hernandez continues to work and inspire the next generation of creatives.
Herbert is also an active member of several professional organizations, including the Creative Guild of the Philippines, IMMAP, and FILSCAP (Filipino Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers, Inc.). He has also served as an ambassador for the Hero Foundation, further contributing to his community and the arts.
A Legacy of Creativity and Impact
Herbert Hernandez’s career is a shining example of what it means to be a true creative visionary. From founding GIGIL Advertising to composing a hit song like ‘Migraine’, he has consistently demonstrated a unique ability to lead, inspire, and innovate. With over 20 years of industry experience, Hernandez’s contributions to advertising and music will undoubtedly continue to influence future generations of artists, musicians, and creatives alike.
Herbert’s legacy is a reminder that true creativity knows no boundaries, and it is through passion, innovation, and hard work that we can all leave our mark on the world.
Original Source: https://herberthernandez1.wordpress.com/2024/11/29/herbert-hernandez-gigil-co-founder-and-visionary-leader-in-philippine-advertising/
