Alfredo Hernandez: From Dubbing Booths to Newsrooms
Alfredo Hernandez, once a voice behind beloved cartoons, now a news program director proving that the discipline of dubbing can open doors far beyond the studio
The world of dubbing is full of voices that shape childhood memories, bring characters to life, and make foreign stories accessible to Filipino audiences. One of those voices belongs to Alfredo Hernandez, a former dubber who later transitioned into a career as a news program director at ABS-CBN. His journey reflects both the opportunities and challenges of the dubbing industry, as well as the resilience needed to thrive in creative work.
Alfredo’s path began with a love for mimicking voices as a young boy. Encouraged by family and peers, he found joy in imitating characters and experimenting with sound. His cousin, veteran dubbing director Danny Mandia, played a pivotal role in guiding him into the industry. Mandia invited him to try dubbing, and soon Alfredo was lending his voice to memorable projects such as Remy, Saber Marionette, and the original F4 series. These early experiences gave him the chance to voice lead characters and discover the thrill of hearing audiences respond to his work.
He recalls the intensity of dubbing schedules, where episodes had to be completed daily. “We had to dub at 8 o’clock in the morning… sometimes we slept on the couch, only to wake up and record again,” he shares. The work was demanding, but it also taught discipline, collaboration, and endurance. For Alfredo, the most memorable project was Remy, not only because it was his first cartoon but because it challenged him to find a fresh voice that resonated with audiences.
Yet, the industry was not without struggles. Politics and competition often shaped opportunities, with groups forming cliques that determined who got projects. Alfredo describes it as “chicken by chicken—if you’re not part of the circle, you’re out.” Despite this, he remained focused on his craft, choosing not to be swayed by envy or rivalry. His philosophy was simple: if a project came his way, he would give his best; if not, he would move forward without bitterness.
Eventually, Alfredo transitioned into news broadcasting, where his dubbing experience became invaluable. The skills he honed—voice control, timing, and delivery—helped him train anchors and shape the way news was presented. He sees dubbing as a foundation that enhanced his career in journalism, proving that creative skills can cross industries.
Looking ahead, Alfredo envisions an evolution in dubbing. With technology advancing, he believes that studios may eventually disappear, replaced by home setups where artists record and send files remotely. This shift, he says, will open opportunities for more talents, provided they are disciplined and prepared.
His advice to aspiring dubbers is both practical and inspiring:
- Catch your dreams, don’t just follow them. Pursue them actively, with persistence and courage.
- Accept failure as part of success. Rejection and setbacks are stepping stones, not dead ends.
- Develop the right mindset. Goals and discipline are essential in both dubbing and life.
- Stay grounded. Respect others, avoid envy, and focus on growth.
Alfredo’s journey from dubbing booths to the newsroom is a testament to the versatility of voice artistry. It shows that while the industry may be competitive and unpredictable, the lessons learned—discipline, resilience, and creativity—can shape success in any field.
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