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In the Philippines, Herbert Hernandez has made quite a name for himself. He is the lead guitarist for popular bands Moonstar88 and 6cyclemind, as well as a Co-Founder of the independent advertising agency GIGIL. The multi-talented entrepreneur is also happily married and the father of three children. While he calls the road to personal and professional success a series of “happy accidents,” the truth is that a lot of hard work, long hours, and applied talent have contributed to where he is now.
The “happy accidents” that Hernandez refers to are really the many times that he took a chance on himself - and thanks to his many God-given talents, those chances paid off in a big way. Those chances include starting his first band, writing his first song, and pursuing his longtime dream of working in advertising. Each of his pursuits has been greeted with love and acceptance by a wide and adoring audience who see him for what he is: a passionate and creative man with exciting ideas and the skills necessary to bring them to life.
Also humble and full of gratitude, Hernandez frequently thanks God for his abilities and his drive to turn them into lucrative and fulfilling careers. He is quick to give credit to the family and team around him, who lift him up and support him at home and at work, making his roles easier to fulfill. Herbert stands alone but considers himself part of an ensemble cast.
Mentors Have Guided Hernandez Along the Way
In addition to “happy accidents,” Herbert Hernandez credits a series of mentors as instrumental to his success. By listening to people whom he admires and respects, he has been inspired to take chances that he otherwise wouldn’t have. This has led to hit songs, award-winning advertising campaigns, and answered prayers.
But even though Hernandez is artistically inclined, he is also structured and disciplined. His father was a mechanical engineer, his mother an insurance sales agent, and he has called his upbringing “militaristic.” This has helped to guide his endeavors: he dreams, plans, works hard, and then consults with his mentors.
With a formula in place that allows him to dream big and collaborate with other talented individuals, Hernandez has learned that the sky's the limit. The first band that he formed in 1999 is still touring together, boasting tens of millions of downloaded songs; the first song that he wrote became an instant hit; his many advertising campaigns have earned dozens of awards; and his own advertising agency is considered to be one of the best in the business.
Hernandez works closely with his mentors in both his music and advertising careers, surrounding himself with people whose skill sets complement, rather than duplicate, his own. The support system that he has created exists in every aspect of his life, at home and work.
Patience is a Virtue
Having spent the last two decades working towards where he is now, Herbert Hernandez is accepting that life is a marathon, not a sprint. By loving what he does and having patience, he is never disappointed with his progress - although his personal trajectory has been a pretty direct route to the top. He admits that there have been setbacks along the way, but most are minor hiccups in an otherwise illustrious career path.
Now in his fourth decade of life, Hernandez is paving the way toward retirement within the next 15 years. But that’s not stopping him from dreaming, planning, and working towards a few more goals before he throws in the towel. These include expanding GIGIL to multiple, international offices, and helping Filipino talent reach mainstream advertising success. With his nose to the grindstone and a refusal to quit, the odds look pretty good that he’ll achieve what he’s after.
Herbert Hernandez’s Formula for Success
He can credit “happy accidents” as much as he wants to, but the truth is that there’s much more to Hernandez’s success than a little luck. He brings intense passion to all of his pursuits; works hard for long hours each day; takes calculated risks; surrounds himself with talented, inspiring individuals; follows a strict schedule that makes time for everything that is important to him; frequently sacrifices sleep; and puts his faith in God.
He also drinks a lot of coffee.
In truth, it’s no accident that Hernandez has reached the pinnacle of two careers and his personal life; his experience is a combination of talent, dedication, timing, and teamwork. But calling it a “happy accident” is to be expected from a master of advertising: a neat little package that brings a smile to your face.
Here’s to many more “happy accidents” in the life of Herbert Hernandez.
Photography by: Courtesy of Herbert Hernandez
