The only female cadet listed among the top 10 graduates of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) this year will join the Air Force. Cadet First Class Cynthia Palisoc Forteza, 22, said she was following in the footsteps of her grandfather, retired Brig. Gen. Amadeo Forteza, and uncle, retired Col. Joey Forteza, who used to be with the Air Force. Forteza, a native of Urbiztundo, Pangasinan, ranked 9th among the top 10 cadets who graduated this year. The youngest among seven siblings - three boys and four girls - Forteza first dreamt of becoming a doctor. She finished two years of Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of the Philippines in Manila before taking the PMA entrance examinations. Forteza, along with the 184 members of the Masiglahi Class 2009, graduated on Monday. Of the 184 graduates, 37 will join the Air Force, 47 will be in the Navy and 100 in the Army. There are 23 female cadets in the Masiglahi Class. Topping the list of graduates was Cadet First Class Karl Winston Cacanindin, 23. Other top cadets are Cadets First Class Lemuel Manicdo, Roger Flores, Nelson Liwanag, Larry Mayao, Erick Mabborang, Carlito Santiago, Glen de Ramos, and Christopher Dupalco.
