herbert hernandez

Herbert Hernandez is a slasher: Husband/Father/Agency Founder/Recording Artist.

At night, he plays guitar for two of the Philippines’ most beloved bands—6cyclemind and Moonstar88. He also composed Migraine, one of the country’s most-streamed songs, surpassing 100 million plays and counting.

By day, he navigates the advertising world, with over 20 years of experience and a trophy shelf that includes multiple wins at Cannes Lions, Clio Awards, One Show, LIA, AWARD Awards, Spikes Asia, ADFEST, AD STARS, and the APAC Effies.

Herbert is the co-founder of GIGIL, the ideas agency shaking up the industry. In just seven years, GIGIL has been named Philippines Independent Agency of the Year and Philippines Creative Agency of the Year by Campaign AOY—making history as the first indie agency to dominate a category long ruled by global networks. The agency also struck gold at the APAC Effies, cementing its place as the most effective creative agency in the Philippines and the most effective independent agency in Asia.

Most recently, GIGIL made history at ADFEST 2025 in Pattaya, Thailand, becoming the first Filipino agency to be named Independent Agency of the Year. The agency also secured a spot in the Top 5 Southeast Asia Agency of the Year rankings, placing fourth among large network agencies—a testament to its growing influence on the global stage.

GIGIL has also been awarded Campaign Brief Asia’s Philippine Agency of the Year for two consecutive years, reinforcing its reputation as the country’s leading creative powerhouse. Adding to its growing list of accolades, GIGIL was named Ad Age’s International Small Agency of the Year, further proving its impact on the global advertising scene.

Beyond his work at GIGIL, Herbert has been recognized as one of Asia Pacific’s top young leaders, earning a spot in Campaign’s “40 Under 40.” He has also been named to Adweek’s “Creative 100,” which honors the world’s most fascinating creative professionals, icons, and game changers.

His expertise in creativity and effectiveness has led him to serve as a jury member for The One Show, the New York Festivals, and the upcoming MAD STARS in Korea this September 2025.