what’s the only thing seven times more stunning than a beautiful woman in a wedding gown? hey, how did you guess!?

okay, so it’s really no secret. one look at this jaw-dropping group of young women, and eileen and i were completely at ease:  we didn’t have to do any work at all to make these girls look good. but best of all, they all radiate that deeper beauty that you just can’t put on in the mirror, no matter how gorgeous your gown is. as we say in the ATL, “dey got it goin’ on!”

so, what was the special occasion? no, not another sun myung moon wedding. think something a lot less creepy. still can’t guess? well, since i am now a self-proclaimed expert on all things filipino, allow me to explain. saturday was the 2009 debutantes’ ball of the filipino-american association of greater atlanta. these blushing beauties were all participants in a traditional cotillion — a sort of coming-of-age celebration — allowing the young ladies’ parents officially to present them to society. calm down, young suitors. yes, that means they’re available. just remember, though: they’re also filipinas. and that means there’s a huge community of us who will hunt you down like a dog if you don’t show some respect. (besides, look at them. you don’t stand a chance anyway.)

as a tribute to the debutantes (and, err… to michael jackson?), these cats put on one cool show, choreographed to tunes of the king of pop himself.

the food at the event was simply amazing (although it took me a while to realize i was supposed to eat that).

here are some of those lucky guys who got to escort our debutantes for the evening. no wonder they look so happy.

many, many thanks to the event production staff. y’all did a fantastic job! few people anymore get to experience a cinderella-style event like this. in my opinion, the ball is back.

since eileen and i got married, i’ve fallen in love with filipino culture. the best part? family. big, crazy, happy family. just look below. need i say more?

congratulations, ladies! we had a blast getting to know you. go with God and enjoy life. you definitely have everything you need to be successful. (oh, and call us when you get married. as long as sun myung isn’t there, i would not want to miss out on those shots!)