The latest addition to her series of perspectives, Tammy David showcases the pageantry of determination, ambition, and hard work in her photo exhibit entitled Crown and Country, which runs from September 19 to October 17 at the Manila Collective Photospace Cafe, Cubao X, Quezon City.

In this 12-photo display, Tammy shares her awakenings as she follows local beauty contestants in all their shimmering and dressed-down-and-less glory.

"Like boxing and basketball, beauty pageants are very much part of my countryʼs culture. Beauty pageants are a metaphor for Filipino culture because they glorify beauty, reflect filial and societal mores, and provide an aspirational platform that is a manifestation of my country's colonial history," says the 27-year-old freelance photographer.

Immersing into the trainings, proceedings,   pageant proper, and the contenders however, Tammy realizes that the pageants are more than celebrations of tradition - they are pathways to doors that open to better lives. The access brings to life aspirations to see the world, to land better jobs, to have better food on the table, to support an ailing parent, to send siblings to school, and yes, to be a beautiful living symbol of one's country, it's ambassadress of goodwill. These hearts are what make up each pageant contestant, and the rigorous trainings and preparations are all unabashedly taken in.

Physical beauty, love for family, fear of God, love for country. Experience the spectacle.

For more information, visit www.manilacollective.com.