Only five couples remain in ABS-CBN’ realiserye “I_x000D_ Do” after having gone through several challenges and addressing financial_x000D_ emotional, family, and trust issues that tested their respective relationships.

How did the program change the_x000D_ couples’ lives? And what’ their advice to couples who want to tie the knot?

Considered underdog contestants_x000D_ are Christian and Chelsea, who have been together for three months. Despite_x000D_ this, they are prepared to prove that the strength of a relationship doesn’t_x000D_ depend on how long a couple has been together.

“To begin with, I and Chelsea_x000D_ didn’t believe that the other couples took us seriously. Even the council said_x000D_ we’re on a honeymoon stage and that we still needed to know more about each_x000D_ other. That really affected me and Chelsea, so in the end we want to prove them_x000D_ wrong,” shared Christian.

“It’ an advantage because we_x000D_ don’t have as much history to fight about. But at the same time it’ a_x000D_ disadvantage because we’re still getting to know each other. People have been_x000D_ saying that we have the best chemistry among all the other couples,” Chelsea_x000D_ said.

Korean Jimmy and Filipino_x000D_ Kring, on the other hand, are still learning to overcome their differences to_x000D_ foster their three-year relationship. Kring, who loves K-pop and Korean movies,_x000D_ said her fascination with Korean culture is not enough when one is in a_x000D_ relationship with a Korean.

“Our strength and weakness is_x000D_ that our relationship is intercultural. We can’t deny our cultural differences,_x000D_ but at the same time, it’ our strength because we get to show that love_x000D_ transcends language and culture,” Kring remarked.

“I read somewhere that if you_x000D_ love a person, treat her like a foreigner. For a foreigner you have to explain_x000D_ so much more and talk to her directly, tell her what you feel, what you like_x000D_ and don’t like. We communicate a lot,” said Jimmy, who recently reunited with_x000D_ his mom after a decade through the program.

Business partners Emil and_x000D_ Honey have proven time and again the depth of their five-year relationship, but_x000D_ in “I Do,” their seemingly naïve fight over a jar of strawberry jam only_x000D_ exposed what their relationship was lacking communication.

“That (communication) is the_x000D_ most important thing I learned from ‘I Do.’ Emil and I have been together for_x000D_ many years, but I have a lot more to learn about him, and how we should talk to_x000D_ each other in a better way to resolve problems,” Honey shared.

Emil recognized this, saying,_x000D_ “I didn’t expect that I appeared tough, that I seemed to have put up walls and_x000D_ I wasn’t open. I didn’t know, until I was told about it. I have since learned_x000D_ to focus on our common ground instead of our differences.”

Neighbors turned lovers Chad_x000D_ and Sheela, on the other hand, acknowledged the role of the show in the growth_x000D_ of their seven-year relationship.

“Before, I just wanted to be a_x000D_ seaman. During my stay in the village, I realized that there were many_x000D_ opportunities for me, that my real passion is cooking. There was a moment when_x000D_ I almost cried because I finally knew what I wanted to do in life,” Chad said.

The couple went through an_x000D_ emotional week after learning that they are not yet financially ready for_x000D_ marriage. However, they are determined to prove that they deserve to win the_x000D_ show.

“We should win because we believe_x000D_ that we inspire a lot of people. We represent couples who are just starting_x000D_ out. We also want to share with people the importance of having God at the_x000D_ center of a relationship,” said Sheela.

Meanwhile, Chris and Karen, who_x000D_ have a two-decade age gap, remarked how their relationship has become more_x000D_ mature since joining the show. Drawing from all he’ learned from “I Do,” Chris_x000D_ has a piece of advice for couples who want to settle down.

“The first thing they must be_x000D_ is as individuals, standing alone, loving themselves. When you have enough love_x000D_ for yourself and you’re strong enough for yourself, that’ the time when you_x000D_ can be together. You help each other grow better. If you bring each other down_x000D_ or you become worse people, don’t do it. If you are getting better and_x000D_ improving, that’ the time you should get married,” he said.

The council, composed of host_x000D_ Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo, life coach Pia Acevedo, and psychologist and_x000D_ marriage counselor Dr. Julian Montano have so far sent home four couples. Who_x000D_ will be next to exit the village? What challenges await the remaining couples?_x000D_ _x000D_

And_x000D_ which couple will be voted the winner by viewing public votes and will get_x000D_ their dream grand wedding, P1 million, house and lot, and a negosyo package?_x000D_ _x000D_

Meanwhile,_x000D_ stay up-to-date with the couples by watching “I Do” mobisodes, which are_x000D_ exclusively available on the iWanTV app on ABS-CBNmobile. Get your daily dose_x000D_ of the program and catch a new mobisode at 12NN from Mondays to Fridays._x000D_ _x000D_

Don’t_x000D_ miss “I Do” after “MMK” on Saturdays and after “Rated K” on Sundays on ABS-CBN._x000D_ For updates, visit ido.abs-cbn.com, likewww.facebook.com/ido.ph or follow_x000D_ @IDo_ph on Twitter.