Herbert C: Making good music behind bars

MANILA, Philippines - Barely after two months of release, Ivory Records announced that Herbert C.’s debut album titled Kinabukasan has reached the platinum status and is now on its way to becoming a double platinum.

Full-blast promotions of the album continue with the launch of the carrier single, Pano Yon on MYX and extensive airplay on different radio stations nationwide. However, don’t expect Herbert to appear live on TV which is the usual practice singers do when plugging an album.

Herbert is an inmate with a complex past. Robin Padilla (through stuntman-director Val Iglesias) expressed his interest in filming Herbert’s life.

“Natutuwa ako na may interesadong gawing pelikula ang buhay ko at hindi ako tutol kung kapupulutan ito ng aral sa mga naliligaw ng landas. Kaya lang, sa ngayon ay naka-sentro ako sa pagkanta. Bata pa lamang ako ay hilig ko na ang umawit at palasali ako sa mga amateur contest. Hindi ko inakalang magiging recording artist ako,” he said.

When Herbert got to prison, he felt that God had abandoned him. With the success of his album, all this changed. More than ever, he believed that when God closes a door, He opens a window.

Kinabukasan is produced by record executive Margot Gallardo and all the songs, except Doon Po (a favorite of the late FPJ) were composed by Edith Gallardo (of Aiza Seguerra’s Pagdating ng Panahon?)

Herbert also reaches out to the needy through various projects. As chairman of the inmates community, he launched the Himig Pagbabago Studio and Music Academy geared to hone the talents of inmates who have a knack for singing.

He is now gathering materials mostly revivals for his second album. Topping the list is Freddie Aguilar’s Bulag, Pipi, Bingi and probably a ballad of Martin Nievera. He will have duets with some inmates, too. He intends to release the album in time for his 41st birthday in September.

Suffice it to say that through his music and charity works, Herbert has helped rebuild many lives within the walls of Muntinlupa.