Cadet 1st Class Cyril Joy Masculino, 22, of Nabua, Camarines Sur, is among the top graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Bagong Sinag Class of 2024, securing the fourth spot.

Masculino said she could not believe that not only would she graduate from PMA, she would also do so with flying colors.

Despite her achievement, Masculino said she had moments of self-doubt.

“Maybe giving up is not the right term, maybe I [can] describe it [as] doubt. I am doubting myself sometimes, especially during training, I am physically exhausted and mentally drained,” she said.

Her inspiration to join the Armed Forces came from her father, a retired Navy officer.

Edilberto Masculino, Cyril's father, said his daugther has always been an achiever, even as a child.

"Kan nag-aaral siya ning senior [high school] sa Legazpi City Science High School, kami an magkaiba duman sa apartment ng NAVFORSOL (Naval Forces Southern Luzon). Marami na rin siyang nakikitang mga PMA-er graduate na mga babae, batang-bata pa," Edilberto said.

Edilberto advised his daughter to "serve the country well and do not be afraid to do what is right for the nation."

Masculino also encouraged those aspiring to join the academy to take on the challenge and uphold the PMA's values of courage, integrity, and loyalty.

The graduation ceremony for the PMA Bagong Sinag Class of 2024 will be held on May 18, 2024 with top government officials, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in attendance.

Jeneth Elumba, from Surigao del Norte, ranked first; Mark Armuel Boiles, from Quezon City, ranked second; and Kim Harold Gilo from Butuan City, ranked third.