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.

At the University of the Philippines, he was a college scholar and a university scholar despite being a high-ranking officer of many organizations including the UPSILON SIGMA PHI, the Pre-med Society, the St. Thomas More Study Groups, and others. He also joined the UP Concert Chorus and the popular singing group, the Ambivalent Crowd. At the UP College of Law, he co-founded the U.P. Law Charivari, the only choral singing group existing in a law school.

After college, he carved his name with pride and excellence in the practice of law. He initially worked with his father at the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court then eventually engaged in private practice. In 1991, he organized a new law firm, now known as the Gancayco, Balasbas & Associates Law Offices, of which he is presently a senior partner.

In 1995, he was designated as chief legal counsel to head a panel of lawyers actively assisting the work of the Presidential Fact-Finding and Policy Advisory Commission on the Protection of Overseas Filipinos (Gancayco Commission), created by then President Fidel V. Ramos. His work led to the passage of the Migrant Workers' Act by Congress for the protection and welfare of OCWs.

As a lawyer, he has distinguished himself as an expert in Intellectual Property Law, oftentimes speaking at international conventions on the subject. He is presently a Councilor of the ASEAN Intellectual Property Association, Vice-President of the Intellectual Property Association of the Philippines, and an officer and member of other international organizations such as the Asian Patent Attorneys Association and the International Trademark Association. As such, and for helping bring in foreign investments to the country, he was appointed as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bataan Freeport representing foreign investors. He has also distinguished himself as an adept court Litigator.

Gov. Ambo is a loving husband and a doting father. His wife Dot, known as the singing-lawyer, is a writer for the Philippine Star, the vice-president of the Association of Congressional Chiefs of Staff, and the Chairman for Special Events at the Celebrity Club. This 2010, Dot also serves as the Over-all Chairperson for the UP College of Law Grand Alumni Homecoming.

Gov. Ambo's marriage to Dot has produced two beautiful children. Jon, 22, a graduate of the Ateneo University, a budding entrepreneur, has put up his own IT-based businesses. Mika, 15, is a second year high school student at the Philippine Science High School having graduated Honorable Mention at the Miriam College Grade School. Like their parents, Mika and Jon can both sing and play various musical instruments.

Governor Ambo joined the Rotary Club of New Manila East 17 years ago, and served as its President in RY 1998-1999. As President of his club, he launched the Best Cop Awards, now known as COPS, which has earned recognition and distinction from various awarding bodies and different sectors of the Philippine society. During his Presidency, he led his Club in hosting the 1999 PESETS. From then on, he rose up the Rotary ladder serving as an Assistant Governor's Representative, Assistant Governor, Chairman of PETS 2006, and, as District Secretary. Two years ago, he was elected as Rotary International District 3780 Governor Nominee.