The Difference Is In The Dose - Toronto, Canada.

As a quick highlight: Filipino food is really bad for you (it’s loaded with sodium and sugar, both of which directly contribute to heart disease and diabetes). Comparatively speaking, alcohol is more poisonous for your body than cigarettes (yet, culturally — and through skillful marketing — we are led to believe that alcohol isn’t that bad). Why did I bring those two things up specifically? Because high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and cirrhosis of the liver are all extremely common within the Filipino community; all of which are directly related to diet and lifestyle. All of which are also: completely preventable.

Anonymity & Unlocked Doors - Toronto, Canada.

As a practicing photographer for over 10 years now (fun fact: Tara actually taught me how to shoot photography — Wab taught me how to shoot video), it never ceases to amaze me in regards to how much access and anonymity you can get just by holding a camera.

canada, torontoUrvil James VillaruelJune 19, 2025obc, events, event photography

Climate Social Innovation Labs (BC, ATL, ON) - Toronto, ON, Canada.

A project I’m pretty proud to have been a part of; in an industry traditionally divided, we were able to bring together over 60 outdoor organizations nationally across Vancouver, Halifax and Toronto to discuss building program resiliency as it relates to climate change.

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)!

Still got it!

It’s been a minute since I’ve had a chance to pull out my sword (er… camera), so when I heard that we needed product shots of some new apparel at work, I jumped at the opportunity; despite it not really being in my portfolio.

toronto, canadaUrvil James VillaruelAugust 26, 2022obc, product photography, clothing

Future Naturopathic Doctor.

I always hear that I wear many hats, but that’s only because you get to see all of the things that I do (Marketer, remember?), but, personally, I think all of the hobbies I partake in pales in comparison to all of the unseen things that Tara Rawana does…

photoshoot, toronto, canadaUrvil James VillaruelApril 25, 2020naturopathic doctor, tara rawana

Global Climate Strike, 2019.

Solutions are necessary, but solutions require extensive research, critical thinking and logic. Climate change is very real, that’s undeniable; but what we are going to do about it is still up in the air.

canada, torontoUrvil James VillaruelOctober 2, 2019climate change, global climate strike

Waking Life — Postcards Around T.O.

We wander so far only to realize that we haven’t even taken the time to appreciate the beauty in our own backyard. The grass is greenest where we stand, not where we are looking to go.

torontoUrvil James VillaruelOctober 21, 2016toronto, landscapes, lights