A young couple with Down syndrome warmed bystanders’ hearts with their playful flirting.
Junior, 24, gave a faux red rose to his childhood friend Jhewel, 17, outside a streetside cafe in Manila.
Footage captured by Lovely Valladores shows the pair romantically teasing one another while delighted onlookers watched on September 18.
The two were later seen sharing snacks before embracing warmly, their faces lit up with joy.
Passersby could not help but smile and giggle as they witnessed the couple’s tender banter.
A video of their moment was uploaded on TikTok and has so far garnered 2.1 million views, 21,400 comments and 92,600 saves.
“Sabi ko na magtinda na lang ako talagaaaa!!!” Valladores quipped in her caption.
She also wrote in the video, “Na para bang tinalo ang AlDub Nation,” referring to the love team of Alden Richards and Yaya Dub (Maine Mendoza), which originated from the Kalyeserye segment of “Eat Bulaga’s” ‘Juan for All, All for Juan.’”
@lovelyyasservalladoresSabi ko na magtinda nalang ako talagaaaa!!!♬ original sound – xo.camsy
Many TikTok users were amused by the young couple and the bystanders’ reactions.
“See? ang ganda tignan pag walang judgemental sa paligid. Ang genuine ng mga reactions nila huhu,” a TikTok user said.
“Naiiyak ako sa reaction nila. sarap sa pakiramdam na walang nanghuhusga sa’yo,” another commented.
“As someone with a sister who has Down syndrome, this really touched my heart 🥹 wishing for a world where they’re never judged and always feel that nothing is wrong with them,” an online user wrote.
“Ang genuine tignan ng ngiti ng mga tao sa paligid nila,” a TikTok user said.
“Si kuya dumaan lang kinilig pa,” one commented.
“May tumalo na sa AlDub,” another quipped.
Valladores explained that the young couple are childhood friends and were once neighbors.
“They reunited again at a nearby school, and since then, they often see each other,” she said.
—Rosette Adel; Viral Press via Reuters Connect