My Story: Urvil James “BJ” Villaruel

“I've travelled the world; co-host a podcast; started my own companies and charity; worked for a number of prominent non-profits within Canada; helped author and publish a book on Community-based Climate Action; earned an honours university degree in Marketing and a graduate certificate in Public Relations; attained high accreditations in both yoga and martial arts while also teaching extensively; explored both the esoteric and the extravagant; written for prestigious blogs and started my own; played in garage bands and recorded songs; learned to shoot photo, video and design websites with a DIY mindset; discovered a lot about the civilized world and the one that most people rarely ever get to see—and do you know what I’ve realized and continue to realize, despite all of that? It’s not what you know, but what you do that matters most!

Presence-in-our-presence is one of the most difficult, but important undertakings that one could ever hope to achieve. How many times have you not only been here, but truly “here”? It is only the artist, the true seeker, who can both see and express to the world what it may not have noticed at all.

Selling stories is what I do. What is it that you see and what do you want others to see? For, the most important vehicle of communication is our chosen narrative; transfiguring what is being communicated and adjusting what is being understood, all at the same time. I help to manifest the reality of what you choose to depict, not just by what is desired, but by what is real, honest, authentic and true.

We all have a story—what's yours?”

 

F . A . Q .  _________________
WHO ARE YOUR CREATIVE INFLUENCES?
Joey L.*, Rafael Moura*, Casey Neistat*, Jack Morris*, Jimmy Chin*, Chase Jarvis*, Banksy*.
WHAT CAMERA EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
Canon 5D MIII, Canon 70D, iPhone 14 Pro Max, various lenses ranging from 16mm-85mm.
HOW MANY COUNTRIES HAVE YOU BEEN TO SO FAR?
20 throughout my life, 16 as a photo-blogger, including: Egypt, Hong Kong, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Philippines, Italy, Greece, and Peru, just to name a few...
WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE CITY?
(Aside from Toronto) Las Vegas*
WHAT IS A ‘MUST SEE’?
If you can swing it, first go to Cambodia, then head to Rome. You'll be blown away by the recurring habits that we as a species exhibit...
IS IT IMPORTANT TO TRAVEL?
Absolutely! Travel exposes you to new ways of thinking and I believe that anything that expands your mind to see the world through a different lens is a good thing. There's study (knowledge) and travel (experience), and when you combine the two you attain wisdom (understanding).
WHY DO YOU STUDY MARTIAL ARTS & YOGA?
Beyond their practicality, they’re great practices of presence and mirrors for understanding and controlling the mind.
WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT ANIME?
Like all parables, most anime contain within them many lessons featuring perennial philosophies to help guide and govern ones own life… not to mention the storylines and artwork are pretty amazing!
WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT VIDEO GAMES?
Video games, quite literally, allow us to explore other worlds within our own world—who wouldn’t want to do that?!
WHY DO YOU WRITE SO MANY BLOGS?
Aside from the sheer enjoyment of it, it serves two purposes: (1) it reminds me of and helps me to realize what I already know, (2) it allows others who think the same to know that they’re not alone.
WHAT DO YOUR TATTOOS MEAN?
Check out my tattoo breakdown*; granted, this hasn’t been updated in quite some time and I have a number of new ones now.
WHAT’S THE POINT OF TATTOOS?
Throughout history, tattoos have been used to represent and signify many different meanings and milestones. To me at least, tattoos (more specifically, my tattoos) represent a commitment to and a reminder of certain sets of ideals.

 

digital footprint:

 

Marketing and Fundraising for Social and Environmental Projects Workshop

"Funding helps make ideas into a reality…"


Community climate action
december 2021

BREATHE: A life in flow book review


"You CAN live life like an anime character; or, perhaps, anime is built upon these types of characters…"

Jiu-jitsu global federation
august 2021

 
 
 

the soul of my arnis

"The art of Arnis, since the time of the great Filipino military leader, Lapu Lapu, is ingrained in our blood…"


VIBEANT
july 2020

GET OUT, stay safe!

"…here is another great Canadian location that you can visit with the whole family, and a top pick from our Digital Marketing Specialist, Urvil James Villaruel…"

outward bound canada
july 2020

 
 
 

THE GREENBELT IS TURNING 14…


"In honour of the Greenbelt's 14th Birthday, we'd like to give back to all of you..."


friends of the greenbelt foundation
february 2019

Slay Dragons Podcast #2: Meditation (with BJ Villaruel)

"Exploring meditation with BJ Villaruel."


Slay dragons podcast
2017

 
 
 

Public Relations, Yoga, Martial Arts, and Success: Urvil James Villaruel

"Every modern organization needs a recognizable brand to survive and professional communicators to help maintain that brand."

centennial college
july 2017

On the edge of discovery
 

““On the edge of discovery.” Machu Picchu PC: @urviljames ."


Optrix
october 2016

 
 
 

In The Spirit Yoga Studio & Wine Lounge on RogersTV

“Our In The Spirit Yoga Studio & Wine Lounge spotlight on RogersTV."

in the spirit yoga studio & wine lounge
December 2015

UOIT STUDENTS TO SHARE INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCES AT TORONTO CONFERENCE

"When it comes to preparing for a career in business entrepreneurship, one group of students at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) has learned that hands-on, international experience makes, a world of difference."

the university of ontario institute of technology
November 2011

 

Kind words:

"Urvil has been the most supportive/motivational/inspirational person to the startup of my Youtube Channel. The best mentor you can find."

—Arvil revesencio,
Sad turnips

"Urvil facilitated my own inward journey, as we worked together to create my business plan, marketing strategy and website design for my Company, Inward Bound."

—linda cooper,
Inward bound coaching

"Super fast with communication and work, great attention to detail and very creative."

—Mandy Lawson,
Cabuya lodge

"He demonstrated a deep respect for my process and the work I do to support children and their families."

—samara francia,
baby hawks

My Top Thoughts On Life:

Life In The Gunas
God Is The Universe.
God Is The Universe.

When examined far enough, there are actually only really two main traditions that dominate our society: the Vedic tradition and the Abrahamic one. 

From these two roots sprang forth a giant tree with derivative branches known as Hinduism, Buddhism and Taoism (for the former); and Judaism, Christianity and Islam (for the latter).

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The Only Thing We Can Truly Master.
The Only Thing We Can Truly Master.

When we talk about Mastery, we often think about an endpoint. Some moment in time in which there is nothing left to learn because we have completed every task and unlocked every achievement within a specific skillset. Whether it’s cooking, tennis, basketball, martial arts, or yoga, we all think that the point of Mastery is some magical endpoint in which all learning stops.

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From Young Adult To Adult.
From Young Adult To Adult.

Life, ultimately, is just a story we tell ourselves. So, take a moment (like I just did), and reflect on your story. What story are you telling yourself? What story are you living out? All life starts with a story; that story becomes an idea; that idea becomes a belief which we have chosen to tell ourselves.

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How Do I Become Enlightened?
How Do I Become Enlightened?

In truth, we are all already Enlightened. We all have perspectives relative to that which we once knew. The question is: how much perspective do you wish to gain?

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Where Do We Go When We Die?
Where Do We Go When We Die?

Consciousness (our Active Awareness) is the Infinite Animate Energy of the known universe and the mind is the mirror upon which that consciousness can reflect. No mirror, no identification states, no you, non-separation.

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“I’ll Never Grow Up.”
“I’ll Never Grow Up.”

So, which do you want yourself to be—Player 1 to your own life experience, or just another NPC living out the rat race, being yet another cog in the grand machine?

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Quantum Fate.
Quantum Fate.

Now, before you start going all mystical on me, understand this: the primary reason why the field of Quantum Physics is so “sexy” right now is because it’s unknown.

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The Human Ant.
The Human Ant.

Take a quick look outside your window. Chances are, you’ll see buildings, houses, or even (in some cases) looming skyscrapers. The question is, how did we get here? Why did we get here? How has this all come to pass?

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Buddhas Of Presence.
Buddhas Of Presence.

It’s not what an animal thinks, but what an animal feels in the moment that guides them. They do not strategize or plan out the next few days in order to get their way; they simply act in accordance with the elements that they are given at that singular point in time.

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24-Hours And Counting.
24-Hours And Counting.

Life, ultimately, is a profound experience that is meant to be appreciated for as long as it lasts; if only for the simple reason that it never lasts.

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Expand Your Consciousness.
Expand Your Consciousness.

Whatever the limitation of that mind’s knowledge, that is as far back as it will go when understanding what it is becoming aware of.

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Practice Makes People.
Practice Makes People.

The best way to enact change is to be change. Do what you want to do, daily, and you will have become that - as the sheer act of pursuing is what makes you that.

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My favourite Captures:

+Stories
Dr. Tara - Toronto, ON, Canada.
Dr. Tara - Toronto, ON, Canada.

The world is lucky to have you, Dr. Tara, and you’re just getting started! Can’t wait to witness the difference you will be making in the future (and I secretly can’t wait to have one of my photographs be used in a future magazine article about you)!

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Definitely worth the wait, Boracay 2.0 - Boracay, Philippines.
Definitely worth the wait, Boracay 2.0 - Boracay, Philippines.

Voted as one of the top islands to visit in the world by Condé Nast Traveler magazine and the Best Island in the World by Travel + Leisure magazine, Boracay has come a long way since I first visited in 2008.

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‘F’ is for Family - Ochando, Philippines.
‘F’ is for Family - Ochando, Philippines.

Every Filipino and Filipina knows that a core foundational component to the culture of the Philippines is family. Despite distance, time, circumstance or previous history, family will always be family. The best part is when friends become family and family become friends. ♡

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"America's Playground," Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
"America's Playground," Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

I have to admit, I’ve been to a lot of places that people have spoken highly about, but there are very few that actually live up to the expectation and hype—Las Vegas is certainly one that lives up to both!

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"Discovering Truth" in Cairo, Egypt.
"Discovering Truth" in Cairo, Egypt.

The apex of esoteric understanding in contemporary Western society, Egypt holds with it a mystique and allure that we in the West venerate with great reverence for the once-forgotten knowledge that had previously been housed there.

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Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines.
Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines.

They say you don’t really know a place until you’ve lived there, but what does it mean to have truly lived? When boiled down, living, in contrast to tourism, is about building a routine—it’s about setting a daily task, a daily chore; making meaningful connections and progress towards an observable end. 

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Singapore.
Singapore.

So, if you're new to Asia but excited to explore the region on your own, I would highly recommend making Singapore (Chiang Mai, Thailand, coming in as a close second) your first stop along the way! It can serve as the perfect induction and hub for all of you Western travellers looking to dip your feet in the Far East!

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Finding Epoch at Meteora, Greece.
Finding Epoch at Meteora, Greece.

A lot more accepting with regards to holding the space for other religious beliefs to flourish, juxtaposed to the Raman Catholic crusade-and-concur mindset, the Byzantine Church set its sight Eastward with regards to sharing its philosophies, while the Roman Catholics decidedly went West. 

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The 'Ultimate Cache' At The Vatican Museums In Vatican City.
The 'Ultimate Cache' At The Vatican Museums In Vatican City.

Unquestionably, one of the most astounding exhibits one could ever hope to visit, the Vatican Museums in Vatican City host some of the most unique paraphernalia extending across three of the greatest nations during the height of the Roman Empire: Rome (obviously), Greece and Egypt.

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The "Tomb Raider" Temple In Siem Reap, Cambodia.
The "Tomb Raider" Temple In Siem Reap, Cambodia.

As you might have guessed, Ta Prohm was made famous in pop-culture by being featured in 2001's blockbuster epic, “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider”. More recently, the temple was also featured in 2017's "Kingsman: The Golden Circle".

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Machu Piccu, Peru.
Machu Piccu, Peru.

Arguably one of the most well-maintained ancient wonders positioned high atop the mountainous region of Cusco, Peru; Machu Picchu sits at an astounding 2,430 meters above sea level.

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Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Definitely one of my most favourite portraits ever taken. After agreeing to be photographed, this little novice monk instantly began putting on the most O.G. mean-muggin' face I had ever encountered while visiting Thailand.

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