AN ADVOCATE of truth and justice, Bombo Ernie as he is popularly called both by colleagues, friends and radio fans, was born on May 14, 1968, incidentally, the same day that he would be joining the political landscape of Aklan.  Born in Batan by parents Nestorio Sambuang of New Washington and Sonia David of Batan whose roots can be traced in Altavas, bombo. Ernie’s calling for public service started when he joined the media on Feb. 2, 1992, wherein he worked as a correspondent of dyOW-Bombo radio based in Roxas City, Capiz. Although his baptism of fire in the troublesome world of media was spent in Capiz, Aklanons also avail of their information needs with Bombo Ernie’s regular reporting of events happening in the province of Aklan.  After 6 years, Bombo Ernie was assigned to Kalibo for a more comprehensive and hands-on coverage of day-to-day events. It was also the same time that he was regularized with Bombo Radyo after an ample training in Bombo Academy in Iloilo City, the home of Bombo Radyo Philippines.  In 1998, dyIN Bombo  Kalibo started in Aklan with Bombo Ernie as among the staff to give a bow-by-blow account of every happening all over the province thereby giving the people—even in far-flung barangays and often neglected—the chance to be served by the government through the broadcast medium.  

THE BIG MAN FOR THE BIG JOB!  

With his sturdy built, Bombo Ernie serves as the Big Man for the Big Job of bringing the government closer to the people and for them to avail of the services that they deserve.At times, Bombo Ernie is the one facilitating the hospitalization of some indigents as well as the free delivery of medicines with his prowess in networking with government officials.  Most of the times, he serves as mediator to warring parties and by those people who believe the media more than elected officials.  And oftentimes, he even shares some of his keep to help the poor individuals who come to the radio station asking for financial support for their ill or hospitalized relatives.  

BIG BROTHER TO COLLEAGUES!

Respected and adored even by his colleagues, Bombo Ernie, with his “neutral and easy attitude” always serves as the Big Brother to his fellow media man. This naturally big man is gifted with a naturally big heart which rules his acceptance with the members of the Fourth Estate. It’s the reason why everybody in the media industry treats this guy with respect and with admiration.

LOVING HUSBAND AND GOOD PROVIDER

Married to Rowena Berte, a registered midwife who hails in Panay Capiz.  Bombo Ernie is one real replica of a good and loving husband and provider to his two wonderful and talented kids - - Erwin, 12 and Eunice, 9.  As his income from his broadcasting career is not sufficient to meet the needs of his family, he ventured into a small business which he started in 1999 – a store named after him (Ern’s Eatery) which he set up just fronting Bombo Radyo station along Oyo Torong St., Kalibo, Aklan.  The eatery, now expanded to accommodate an increasing customers, and which serves a delectable bulalo, is now situated at Osmena Avenue near the bus terminal of Ceres and vans plying Iloilo, Roxas and Antique provinces.

WHAT COLLEAGUES SAY…

“Masaligan ag maasahan…amo na si Kaibahang Ernie Sambuang.” – BUTZ MAQUINTO, area manager of RGMA & Station Manager of RGMA – DYRU

“Mapuslan naton imaw sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Mabuot, maalam ag masaligan.” – GUS TOLENTINO, president, Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP Aklan Chapter) and station manager, IBC – dyRG.

“Masaligan nga amigo. Maayo nga tawo. Tapat ag matutom sa serbisyo.” – JONATHAN CABRERA, president, Aklan United Media Association (AUMA), Inc. and bureau chief of The Daily Guardian – Aklan.

“Ginarespeto ag mayo sa tawo.” – JEROME VEGA, station manager, RMN – dyKR,