Spotlight on Napoleon Abad Torres III
The Dream Weaver of Poetry
Poetry has long been a sanctuary for those who seek to express the depths of their soul. For Filipino poet Napoleon Abad Torres III, poetry is more than just an art—it is an innate calling, an unstoppable force that shapes his daily life. His journey as a writer is one of passion, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in his own voice. From the humble beginnings of reading pocketbooks filled with fantasy, adventure, and detective tales, his love for poetry became the guiding light toward his destiny as a poet.
Biographical Background
Napoleon Abad Torres III was born on July 6, 1953. He is an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) retiree who previously worked in Brunei Darussalam. A former Tagalog language editor of “The Tolentine Star,” the publication of his alma mater, the University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos, he developed a strong foundation in literary expression as early as 1973.
In retirement, he has embraced a life connected to nature, managing his orchard under the name 3A Orchard and Garden since 2003. Despite his work in agriculture, poetry remains his first love. Over the years, he has written more than 2,000 poems in English and Tagalog, with some in the Hiligaynon dialect. His works have been compiled into published collections, including “Dream Weaver,” which is available on Amazon, and “Dream Weaver Book 2,” which was published locally.
The Birth of a Poet
Torres did not follow the traditional path of a formally trained poet. Instead, his verses emerged organically, as if whispered to him by an unseen muse. It all started with two rhyming lines that would suddenly appear in his mind. These fleeting inspirations became the foundation for his quatrains and septets, growing into a body of work that continues to expand today.
“I’m not really an educated poet,” Torres humbly admits. “I was not able to finish my studies, but the topics and themes of my poems are organic. I write what comes to me, and the result determines the theme.” This natural and intuitive approach to poetry has allowed him to craft pieces that resonate deeply with readers, proving that creativity does not require rigid rules—only authenticity and heart.
A Poet’s Dedication
Beyond poetry, Torres is deeply committed to his orchard, but no matter how busy his schedule gets, poetry always takes precedence. Whenever inspiration strikes, he stops whatever he is doing to capture the words before they fade. His prolific nature is remarkable—he has even written seven poems in a single day. For Torres, poetry is not just a hobby; it is a way of life.
Finding His Own Style
Throughout his journey, Torres has faced criticism from those who judged his work based on traditional poetic structures. Early in his career, a seasoned poet once told him he could never be a poet because his writing lacked the conventional meters and measures. Instead of being discouraged, Torres used this criticism as fuel, embracing his own free-flowing style. He calls himself a “wardywardy” poet—one who writes freely, unbound by grammatical constraints.
“For me, there’s no perfect poet,” he asserts. “What’s important is that you convey your message clearly and that simple readers can understand and connect with it.” This philosophy has earned him a dedicated following, with readers appreciating the sincerity and accessibility of his work.
Poetry as a Divine Gift
Torres attributes his poetic inspiration to the Holy Spirit, which explains the abundance of spiritual and prayer-themed poems in his collection. Unlike poets who find themselves struggling with writer’s block, he keeps his creative well full by mesmerizing two-liners daily, ensuring that his thoughts never wander too far from poetry.
#LoveAbovetheLabel: The True Essence of Poetry
For Torres, poetry is about expression, not perfection. He embodies the belief that writing is about the message, the emotion, and the truth it carries, rather than rigid expectations. “Love above the label for me means it’s what’s inside of you that you’re giving—good or not—as long as you have expressed yourself. For me, poetry is expression.” His words remind us that poetry is deeply personal, a reflection of the poet’s heart, and that the greatest poetry comes from an unfiltered, genuine place.
A Legacy of Words
Despite his unconventional approach, Torres has made a lasting impact in the literary world. His works span multiple languages, including English, Tagalog, and Hiligaynon, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the Philippines. His published collections, “Dream Weaver” and “Dream Weaver Book 2,” stand as a testament to his dedication to the art.
Final Words from the Poet
For aspiring writers, Torres offers simple yet profound advice: “If you really love writing, put your heart and mind into it. Don’t be afraid to have your own style. Trust and believe in what you do.”
Indeed, Napoleon Abad Torres III is a testament to the power of self-belief and artistic freedom. His poetry is an unfiltered expression of his thoughts, emotions, and spirituality—proof that the truest form of art comes from within. As he continues to weave dreams through his verses, his words will undoubtedly inspire future generations to embrace their own poetic voices, no matter where they may lead.
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Author
Nelly Vee
Nelly Vee, Founder & CEO of KVI Network Creations, author, poet, and graduate with a Bachelor of Theology and a BS in Leadership & Organizational Management.
