Columnist, publicist, talent manager and former TV host Lolit Solis passed away on Thursday. She was 78.
Her family confirmed the news on social media:
“Our beloved Manay Lolit Solis has peacefully joined her Creator [on] July 3, 2025.”
“Manay Lolit leaves behind a loving family and many friends who will always cherish her memory. We remember Manay Lolit as a feisty and staunch loyal supporter, manager, and friend.
“We love you, our dearest Manay, and you will forever be in our hearts. Rest well now in the loving embrace of our Lord.” No cause of death was mentioned. The controversial force behind some of Philippine showbiz’s biggest names, Lolita “Lolit” A. Solis was known for her fierce loyalty. She spent over four decades shaping — and shaking — the entertainment industry. Born on May 20, 1947, in Manila, Lolit rose to national notoriety as the mastermind behind the 1994 Manila Film Festival scandal — a moment that shook the entertainment industry and even prompted a Senate investigation.
But far from fading into disgrace, she weathered the storm, eventually reclaiming her place at the center of showbiz. “By nature, confrontational ako,” she once said in an interview on the talk show “Pare & Pare” with Michael V. and Ogie Alcasid. “Medyo matapang-tapang ng konti, kaysa sensitive.” Known in the industry as “Nanay,” Solis managed some of the biggest names in entertainment and politics, including Senator Bong Revilla and wife, House Representative Lani Mercado, award-winning actors Lorna Tolentino, Christopher de Leon and wife Sandy Andolong, Councilor Alfred Vargas, Paolo Contis, Tonton Gutierrez, Benjie Paras, Gladys Reyes and Pauleen Luna. Her talent for nurturing careers was well known. And so was her candor. During her birthday celebration in May, interviewed by Noel Ferrer, Lolit reflected on her mortality with a mix of humor and honesty. “So thankful,” she said. “Actually, every Christmas nagpapa-cater ako. Pero last year, hindi ako nagpa-cater kasi feeling ko, hindi na ako aabot ng Christmas.” In the same interview, she joked about outliving her peers: “Iba na ang batch. Dati sila Douglas Quijano. Bakit ako na lang natira?” Despite her age, she remained involved in her talents’ lives. “Hoy, kumuha na kayo ng ibang manager. Matanda na ako,” Lolit would tell them, only to be reassured. “Sabi ni Bong, ‘Habang buhay ka, walang kukuha ng puwesto mo.’” She also spoke candidly about the scandal that nearly ended her career: “I will be very honest. Inisip ko talaga nun, finished na ako nung nag-scam ako,” she admitted. “Shocked ako nung nagpakita ng suporta ang mga tao na hindi ko inaasahan susuportahan ako. Pero hindi — they were beside me, fighting for me…. “Kahit salbahe ako, meron akong nirerespetong mga tao,” she added. “Sa buhay talaga, pag may tinanim kang maganda, babalik sa ’yo.” Outside of showbiz, she was a devoted animal lover, once keeping more than 50 dogs.
Lolit Solis was also a devoted mother, survived by her two daughters, Sneezy and Sloppy. – Gie Trillana
