UK VOGUE September issue ? Starring Bea Valdes. The September issue is the gauge of the magazine?s profitability and importance. It?s the big advertising month. It is so important that even America?s fashion bible, Vogue magazine, has allowed a documentary on its ?September Issue,? starring the one and only Anna Wintour.

Just the other day, the international bag and accessories designer Bea Valdes sent me an SMS about a milestone in her career. Her accessory landed on the cover of the September issue of British Vogue, with supermodel Kate Moss wearing it. Wow!

How did this all happen? Marga, Bea?s sister and business partner, (www.beavaldes.com) recalled: ?I was coordinating a transcontinental sample request for British Vogue, which had requested several of our pieces for simultaneous shoots in NY and London. Although it was hectic trying to make sure the samples were received on time, we were thrilled when the magazine informed us that Lucinda Chambers loved the pieces and had used them for her shoot with Mario Testino.

?About two weeks later, while still moving the samples to different shoots, we were thrilled to find out that 4-5 necklaces were part of the editorial feature of the September Issue, the most important issue of the year.

?About a week after that, we were told, quite cryptically, that one of our necklaces was included in the cover shoot. But we did not know which one. After a few weeks of waiting, we were told our Zelda necklace was used in front. I sent an e-mail back asking who would be on the cover and they told me: Kate Moss.

?This cover is probably the best way to say thank you. Thank you to everyone who has helped us along the way.?

Thank you, President Cory

For the last five days, we?ve been gripped by the life and death of a former president.

I am sure everyone feels the loss and sadness, but also the inspiration and example of selflessness, humility and service Tita Cory has left behind.

I remember meeting president Cory once when I did a shoot of her at the Ninoy Aquino Museum in Tarlac. We photographed her before Ninoy?s portrait, as well as with his bloodstained shirt. I remember her words as she looked at the shirt: ?The stains are still so red.?

My heart skipped a beat when she said that. I was thinking: So many years have passed and yet justice has not been served, and it still affects her.

Her life was more than amazing. From a simple housewife, mother and widow, she rose to become president and icon of democracy.

So what happens next? Who will lead us now? The answer doesn?t lie in the present administration or in the coming elections but in us Filipinos. It?s been 23 years since Edsa. It?s time to be more vigilant, to believe in each other, to pray for one another and for our country. We need to tell the youth what happened at Edsa and for us who witnessed it, to never forget it.

Thank you, president Cory, for giving us hope and light, and showing us what it means to be a true Filipino.