January 30, 1998 - The friends of Jay Santiago announced the soft launching of his candidacy via a special community affair on February 7, 7:30 pm at th San Lorenzo Village Park.

The affair will br highlighted by a parental charge where the family of Jay Santiago will formally let go of a son to heed the greater challenge of public service. The program is only the first in a series of unconventional public assemblies planned by supporters of Jay Santiago to advance his candidacy as Councilor in the First District of Makati.

The Filipino's favorite rice snack, congee, will serve during the occassion. Organizers claim the choice for congee represents Jay's concern for the greater masses of Makati.

Key political figures led by Sen. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Makati Vice Mayor Toro Yabut, Mrs. Gina de Venecia and Makati Councilor Bong Daza will grace the occassion. Also attending in full force are members of Upsilon Sigma Phi, premier UP fraternity that gave us the likes of Ninoy Aquino.

The affair, which is open to all, is a first of its kind as Jay commits and dedicates his candidacy to God.

March 23, 1998 - In an unexpected move, leaders of the Lakas NUCD-UMDP in Makati announced today that youth leader Jay Santiago will be fielded as their eight official candidate for Councilor in the first district of the city. The announcement culminated the long and protracted campaign waged by volunteers and supporters of Jay.

Before the official announcement today, Jay has stood firm on an earlier decision to run as independent if he will not be accommodated by his party. The choice of Jay Santiago to complete the first district slate of Lakas is hailed as recognition of Jay's unwavering loyalty to the party despite being bypassed in an earlier selections.

Jay Santiago completes the formidable team of young and fresh minds that offers Makati an equally potent platform of government and legislative agenda.