Asian Christian Music Awards introduction:

 

My name is Pastor Florante P. Torres and I was born in the Philippines on January 14, 1954.  I now live in Cabuyao, Laguna, Philippines and I am writing this so you can know a little more about me.

In 1972, I graduated from the Cabuyao Institute.  I then attended the Philippine Arts and Trade school in Manila, from 1972-1974 and I became a machinist.  In an effort to further my education, I attended the University of the East, with a major in mechanical engineering, from 1977 to 1980.  However, in 1980 I decided to work as an organ demonstrator for Yamaha, Kawai and Technics.

But, the real story of my life begins when I accepted Christ on April 26, 1976.  My life was changed forever. After I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior, I became active in the ministry for six years.  My focus was on organizing and setting up Crusades, group bible studies and other ministerial services.

In August, 1982, I had a chance to go to United States of America and I moved to Los Angeles, California.  I was hoping to find, like so many others, a new opportunity in my life.  Unfortunately for me, as time passed, I lost my eagerness to serve the Lord and even stopped attending church each week.  This was the beginning of a downward spiral in my spiritual life.

At this time I played music at a club every weekend.  During the day, I sold organs and pianos in a music store.  I was successful and eventually opened my own store in 1985.  During this time I did very well and made quite a bit of money.  I was able to buy pretty much everything I wanted and had what seemed to be a good life.  But I had quietly fallen away from Christ.  I became involved with many girls and drugs.  I had lost my way and was completely unaware of how far I had strayed from the Lord.

I knew my father had a church in Los Angeles and even though I was successful, I did not support him because of my bad personal choices.  From 1982 to 2001, I was not on good terms with God.  I had become rebellious.  You wouldn’t have liked me if you knew me.  It was during this time that I almost lost my wife Myrna, the love of my life, as I had become a horrible husband.   Finally, one day when I was alone, it hit me – the Lord said enough is enough – change your ways, NOW.

So, in September, 2001 my wife and I moved to Fresno, California to start over.  This was the beginning of a real transformation in my life.  I became active in the church again, Baptist Temple.  For five years I was their music director and helped with the worship services both in English and Spanish.  I joined a band named “B.U.S.T” which means, Brother Under Spiritual Testimony and my spiritual life began to grow.

In mid of 2005, our Band name BUST joined the battle of the best of the blessed at Christian Music Awards here in Fresno and won the 2nd place. Since then, the LORD spoke to me and give me Vision to have the same idea like Christian Music Awards to start in the Philippines.