Governor Pablo "Ambo" Mejia Gancayco was born on July 1, 1957 to Justice Emilio A. Gancayco and public schoolteacher Herminia M. Gancayco. Born to be a leader, he has all throughout his life been in the pursuit of excellence. His academic brilliance and leadership qualities began to manifest even when he was in grade school at La Salle and in high school at the Ateneo, both of which witnessed his being a consistent Class President and outstanding student. In school, he developed a competitive spirit, competing not with others but with himself. His performance should always be better than the last. This he applied to academics, sports and music, which early on in life, became his passion. At the La Salle Grade School, he helped the school football team become a National Champion team. In high school, he was part of the Varsity Volleyball Team of the Ateneo High School which then enjoyed the NCAA Championship. It was during his term as the President of the Ateneo High School Glee Club that the Glee Club produced solo concerts and joint concerts with other schools.