HERE is a simple tale to tell — but hers is more than inspirational. It is a story of quiet courage in the face of relentless struggle.
Mariah “Yeng” Carbon, 31, moved countless people — both citizens and netizens — when she joined her college graduation at the University of St. La Salle-Bacolod on June 1. She was in a wheelchair.
Why?
Yeng, the daughter of businessman Joneiff and lawyer Juliana Carbon, has lupus. She can no longer stand, and yet she insisted on receiving her diploma after nearly five years of virtual learning in the BS Psychology program.
Yeng’s story is far from ordinary. It is marked by silent sacrifices and challenges that stretch beyond the imagination of most people. But she is a brave soul — one who refuses to surrender to life’s adversities.
Since 2009, she has battled every obstacle head-on.
Each victory she claims is nothing short of extraordinary.
SYSTEMIC LUPUS
Yeng was diagnosed with mild systemic lupus in 2009, just as she was about to graduate from high school at St. Scholastica’s Academy in Bacolod City.
Medically, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues.
Despite the shock of the diagnosis, Yeng’s parents kept their faith. They believed there was still hope for their only daughter — their única hija.
They supported her decision to enroll at the University of the Philippines Visayas in Miag-ao, Iloilo, rather than in UP Diliman, to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Economics.
At first, Yeng managed well. But during the second semester of her freshman year, lupus flared up. Her parents had to bring her home to Bacolod.
What followed were cycles of hospitalization. When her health improved, she returned to school — this time, enrolling in the Managerial Accounting program at the University of St. La Salle-Bacolod.
But once again, lupus struck — this time more severely.
THANKS TO COVID-19
Yeng suffered a stroke, lost her hair, became frail and bedridden for six months, and has remained unable to stand since then. With no other choice, she had to quit school again.
“At that point, we were really worried — about her health, and about her education,” Atty. Juliana shared. “But we just prayed every day.”
And God answered.
Ironically, it was during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, from 2020 to 2021, that Yeng found a renewed opportunity.
With schools shifting to blended and virtual learning, she grabbed the chance to resume her studies — this time pursuing BS Psychology and letting go of Managerial Accounting.
La Salle-Bacolod credited her previous subjects and even granted her tuition discounts.
All her classes were online. Whether at home or in the hospital, Yeng never missed a virtual class.
She studied diligently and conducted her own research, determined to complete her degree. Against all odds, she did.
On June 1, she graduated.
ICHIGO ICHIE
Though wheelchair-bound, Yeng insisted on attending the graduation ceremony, stunning her fellow graduates, their families, and guests.
Atty. Juliana was overwhelmed with pride, admiring her daughter’s unshakable will to earn a degree despite everything.
“To see her walk the stage — even in a wheelchair — was one of the proudest moments of my life,” she said.
During the ceremony, Yeng cried — tears of joy, fulfillment, and triumph.
Now, she plans to look for a virtual job.
If that doesn’t pan out, she’s considering enrolling in law school at La Salle-Bacolod, through online classes.
“We will support her,” her mother said, adding: “Ichigo ichie — savor the moment. What happens now will never happen in the same way.”
She believes anyone — like Yeng — can rise above adversity.
“We just need to pray and believe that everything is temporary. All pain, hardship, and difficulty will pass.”
THE NEVER-SAY-NEVER GIRL
Frank Carbon, vice president of the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), calls his niece Yeng a “never say never” kind of woman.
“What I learned from her,” he said, “is that anything is possible — even when it seems impossible.”
I must admit, I was deeply moved by Yeng’s story.
The Carbon family is neither poor nor extravagantly wealthy. But that’s beside the point. Their story isn’t about status — it’s about spirit.
Yeng’s will to live, to study, to graduate, to seek work, and possibly to pursue law — despite her condition — is beyond admirable.
She is Bacolod’s Braveheart. She refuses to be defeated by life’s cruelties. And that makes her more than an inspiration — she is a symbol of unbreakable resilience.
I am reminded of my younger days, when I was a fan of Peter Pan.
As a poor boy from Barangay Cudangdang, EB Magalona, I would cling to Peter Pan’s famous line:
“The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it.”
That quote has always fueled my dreams.
Yeng and I are worlds apart in experience — but in spirit, we share the same mantra:
Dream. Believe. Excel./PN
