At that fateful meeting of November 17, 2001, Miles volunteered to be the president and the rest of the group filled in the other positions. Successive meetings ensued and application for charter was approved by Staff Judge Advocate in Capodichino. Membership rose from a few volunteers, to less than a hundred after the first few fundraisers, membership drives and other social events. The membership now has grown to over 300, with an annual fee of $10. A committee was formed in February 13, 2002 to amend the bylaws, headed by J.A.P., Andy Garcia, Cesar Odvina, Frank Crescini, Jun Marcellana, Gil Sanchez, Rey Corpuz, and Elmer Fernandez. Amendments were submitted to the interim officers and were immediately ratified. The membership chose the name "Fil-Am Association of Naples" and adopted the logo created by Monty and modified by Apo, plus affixed the motto, "Our Culture Our Pride", designed by yours truly.

For its initial fund raisings, Miles had to depend largely on the resourcefulness of the members. Also, according to Mr Al Alferez, the foodstuffs and ingredients were furnished by NEX commissary as a donation to the community. Other kitchen utensils came from the old FACN, and the petty cash ($1K) served as the seed money. The interim officers organized successful fundraisers which made it possible for FAN to afford our membership with free meal tickets to dependent students, gift certificates for purchase of school supplies, as well as discounted trips to places outside Naples area. A band of amateur musicians, popularly known as the "WALA Band", were almost always on hand to perform during social gatherings and parties. Original members included Frank Crescini, Ted Moneda, Elmer Fernandez, Sheldon Garcia, J.A.P., and Sam Mendoza. Later on, Gil Sanchez, Vic Pablico, Jimmy Arrieta, Ron Boroczk, Jim Carrillo, Miles and Apo complemented the music jam. Folk and modern dance groups were formed by Maritess Leung, Lai Yamzon, Corazon Arrieta and Susan Punzalan, representing FAN in Asian Pacific Heritage celebrations from Capodichino to AFSOUTH, Bagnoli to Agnano and Gricignano. To foster communication among members, the FAN newsletter came into fruition through the initiative of Karen Montenegro. The year 2002 marked the year, FAN has been re-energized and it has paved the way for the next wave of hardcharging officers of Fil-Am Association Naples for 2003.

The November 2002 election of officers was held at NAHS with accompanying potluck, funfare and aplomb. Vic Pablico was elected President, Hadrian Apoderado as VP, Gie Victoria as Secretary, Mila Aque as Treasurer, Nela Carrillo as Auditor, Lea Reyes as Business Manager, Philip Tubera and Letty Hidalgo as Public Relations Officers with Chris Bona and Jessie Francisco as Sgt-At-Arms. Jim Carrillo was anointed as the Sports Commissioner by the Board of Advisors viz: Bal Aguila, Ted Moneda, Alfred Surdilla, Vic Ramos, Jun Aque, to name a few. The new officers did not waste anytime, ergo they got down to business of promoting FAN to the rest of the neighboring European Fil-Ams. Successful youth sports programs spread like wildfire from Rome to Sigonella, Sicily to La Maddalena, Sardinia. The spirit of "Pakikisama", (translated: collaboration) is now alive and well among Filipino-Americans here in Europe. This new batch of officers did not stop there. They adopted a charitable institution of abused children from Aversa Instituto Assistenziale, and provided the children with personal clothings and linens. Philip Tubera and fellow officers arranged for the children to have a supervised excursion to the Support Site, at TGIF where they had a company sponsored meal, fun and games. Just when you think, they have done enough for the community---the incumbent officers proffered the Scholarship Program for college bound students of NAHS. Messrs. Miles Guanzon, Glenn Conte, Bal Aguila, J.A.P. and Mario Mijares laid the groundwork for this excellent project which was a first, ever for this Fil-Am team.

Thank the "volunteers", who started the ball rolling, in getting most of the Filipino-Americans together for the first time at NAHS Cafeteria on December 21, 2001 for a Christmas Party. At this successful gathering came great ideas and suggestions to unite and form an association that will enhance and promote the cultural values and traditions of the Filipino-Americans. Having our own organization, is a source of pride to every member of the community. We believe that through the efforts of the officers and volunteers, a lot more exciting possibilities await our membership, which is one of, if not the, fastest growing ethnic group in the Naples area. What made the success of FAN sweeter was not just the meager beginnining or its humble start, but our unwavering commitment...we prepared and took full ownership and responsibilities of nurturing a solid organization that we can be proud of! An inside-out change had happened in each of us to ensure strong foundation for this Fil-Am to grow on!! Long live the FAN members!!! Fil-Am Association of Naples, our culture...our pride!