After traumatic relationships, this PWD couple found true love

Whenever Cristina and Joel went out on romantic dates, people would stare at them.

Cristina would be on a wheelchair while talking to Joel, who was on crutches.

Both of them endured ailments during their childhood, but that did not stop them from finding true love in one another, according to Susan Enriquez's i-Juander segment.

"Everytime na titignan ka ng tao, ang iisipin mo si positive. Huwag mong titignan na negative, kasi PWD ako kaya ako tinitingnan na ganun. Sabi ko, laging positive lang 'yung iisipin mo," Cristina told Joel.

During the course of their relationship, the couple always brought out the best in each other and served as each other's support system when times were hard.

Cristina first met Joel in 2018, when she worked as a call center agent in an Antipolo-based company that employed persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Interestingly, she and Joel did not click at once because they "were complete opposites."

Joel was very friendly and outgoing with co-workers while Cristina seemed quiet and reserved.

After he got to know her, Joel found out that Cristina was actually talkative.

It took the pair a while before they fell for each other, because of their traumatic experiences in previous relationships.

Joel, who was diagnosed with polio when he was three years old, said his ex-girlfriend had "used him" for money.

Cristina, who as a child was beaten up by her father, had to put up with her ex-boyfriend who laid hands on her when he was drunk.

It wasn't until they became housemates in an apartment that they became close to each other. After a series of shared experiences, they started developing feelings for one another.

When they started dating, people would often stare at Cristina and Joel, but the former would always reassure her boyfriend to think positive, and to not be embarrassed of his condition.

Because of their undying love and commitment to one another, Cristina and Joel are set to tie the knot during the month of love.

"Kasi talaga dati, ayoko talaga ng PWD, kasi ang nasa isip ko, PWD nga ako, tapos kung PWD pa rin ang ano ko, mag-aalagaan kaming dalawa. Siya lang talaga yung PWD na nakarelasyon ko. Hindi ko alam na siya din ang gusto kong pangasalan," Joel said.

The couple will be starting a family very soon as Cristina is expecting a baby two months from now. —Angelica Y. Yang/JST, GMA News