The Ethical Dilemmas in Philippine Pageantry: Empowerment vs. Objectification Mary Ann Joy S. Reyes PSC22 Introduction The Philippines has a longstanding love affair with beauty pageants, dating back to the Santacruzan celebrations and the search for the Holy Cross by Helena of Constantinople. Over the years, Filipinos have celebrated victories in international pageants, with beauty queens like Catriona Gray capturing the nation’s imagination. However, as the spotlight shines on these events, questions arise: Do beauty pageants empower women, or do they merely objectify them? This thesis aims to dissect the ethical complexities surrounding Philippine pageantry. The Philippines boasts a rich history of fascination with beauty pageants, a tradition that dates back to the Santacruzan celebrations and the legendary search for the Holy Cross by Helena of Constantinople. From the glitzy stages of international competitions to the local pageant circuits, Filipinos have reveled in the triumphs of beauty queens, with Catriona Gray’s recent victory capturing the nation’s collective imagination. Yet, beneath the glittering tiaras and dazzling gowns, a profound debate persists: Do beauty pageants truly empower women, or do they merely reduce them to objects of aesthetic scrutiny? In this exploration, we delve into the multifaceted ethical landscape surrounding Philippine pageantry. Beyond the sequins and sashes, we confront the tensions between empowerment and objectification, seeking to unravel the complexities that define this cultural phenomenon. A Legacy of Pageantry