As the world continues to become more interconnected, the number of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) continues to grow. Many Filipinos choose to work abroad to provide a better life for themselves and their families. However, the journey is not always easy, and many OFWs face significant challenges, both personal and professional. In this magazine feature article, we will get to know Nerry Toledo, a successful business development manager, a writer, a yoga instructor, and a mental health advocate, who has been working abroad for 17 years.
Nerry Toledo’s life story is a testament to the resilience of the Filipino spirit. She was born and raised in the Philippines and lost her father at a young age, which forced her to grow up quickly and take on adult responsibilities. Despite the challenges, Nerry excelled academically and graduated from college with honors.
After working for several years in the Philippines, Nerry took a risk and decided to move abroad to provide financial support to her siblings who were still in college.
“While I had a promising career in the Philippines, managing finances with siblings in college were challenging, so I took a risk and moved abroad,” she said.
Her first job overseas was in Doha, Qatar, where she worked for a prominent brand. In 2008, she moved to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where she joined a Public Relations agency.
Nerry’s professional journey was not without its share of struggles. Moving to a new country can be challenging, and adjusting to a new culture, language, and lifestyle can be overwhelming.
Nerry had to face the economic downturn during her transition to Dubai, which made it even more challenging. However, her strong will and determination kept her from giving up. Nerry shares, “It is easy to lose your way and feel despair, especially when you are faced with trials. It is knowing my value and recognizing my worth that keeps me from falling into a deep, dark abyss of misery.”
Nerry’s resilience and determination eventually paid off, and she was able to build an impressive career in Public Relations, planning and implementing effective communication strategies for various high-profile clients.
During her professional journey, she discovered who she was and what she wanted her life to be. She realized that her passion was helping others and serving the community. This led her to step down from the corporate world for two years and focus on her inner work. Her inner guidance led her to establish NerryFit Yoga, where she could use her passion for yoga to help others achieve their highest level of self-realization for true well-being and inner transformation.
“My life has been reshaped in a very interesting way by this transition, in which I no longer aim to be on the top of the corporate ladder, but instead ask myself how I can be a better human and serve others,” she said.
Nerry’s current career path combines her corporate experience and her passion for mental health advocacy and yoga. She is now a mental health advocate, communication strategist, writer, and yoga instructor. She regularly writes and speaks about mental health and well-being and offers complimentary yoga classes to the community through collaborations with brands. Her ultimate dream is to establish a yoga retreat house on an island in the Philippines, work with farmers to cultivate land that will benefit the community, and educate women and children on the importance of mental health and well-being.
Working overseas has broadened Nerry’s horizons and provided her with the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally. She believes that working abroad allows you to gain an understanding of different cultures and learn much about yourself, which can help you become the person you want to be. Nerry’s mantra in life is, “Nothing is impossible if you put your heart and mind into it.” Her success story is a testament to this.
Nerry’s journey as an OFW is an inspiration to many. Her resilience, determination, and passion for helping others have led her to build an impressive career while making a meaningful contribution to society. Her story is a reminder that success is not just about achieving professional goals but also about living a meaningful life that serves others.