When news of Lolit Solis’ passing broke on July 4, her longtime friends in the world of entertainment were quick to pay tribute to the fearless show business insider.
Solis, known affectionately to many as “Manay Lolit,” was one of the loudest and feistiest voices of the entertainment industry. Throughout her decades-long career as an entertainment journalist, show host, and eventual talent manager, Solis was always in the know. Her sharp, snarky commentary and stern takes on industry drama — be it in her columns at the Philippine Star or in her time as the host of talk shows such as StarTalk — made her the go-to source for the latest in show business.
“Maraming salamat sa pagmamahal at pagkalinga,” wrote former senator Ramon Bautista “Bong” Revilla Jr. in a personal Facebook post honoring his late talent manager. “You have been a solid rock for me, a staunch defender, and most importantly, a mother who took care of me and my family up to your last days with us. I feel like I lost my mom again.” Revilla’s son, actor-politician Jolo Revilla, also took to social media to honor the late entertainment journalist. “Salamat sa pag-aalaga mo sa akin noong ikaw ay tumayo bilang aking manager noong ako ay artista pa,” he wrote.
Salve Asis, Solis’ loyal editor at Pilipino Star Ngayon, confidante and aide when it comes to posting on Instagram, shared how deeply she’d felt the loss of someone who had been both a mentor and a constant presence in her professional and personal life. “We remember Manay Lolit as a feisty and staunch loyal supporter, manager, and friend,” wrote Asis in a heartfelt Instagram post. “We love you, our dearest Manay, and you will forever be in our hearts.”
“Your morning texts will no longer brighten up my day, but I’ll cherish the memories of our daily exchanges,” wrote fellow talent manager Noel Ferrer, who described Solis in a separate tribute post as being the “glue” that held the people around her close together. “Your fierce spirit and unapologetic nature were a shield to those who didn’t get you, but to us, it was a reminder of your strength and resilience.”
In one of her final interviews before her passing, Solis sat down with Rolling Stone Philippines to speak candidly about her career and the health issues that had plagued the latter part of her life. After being diagnosed with a kidney problem some years ago, Solis underwent regular dialysis treatments and faced a steady decline in mobility. Still, she remained characteristically sharp and unfiltered, often joking about her condition while reflecting on the controversies, friendships, and “moments of madness” that defined her decades in showbiz.
“I don’t fear death anymore,” Solid told Rolling Stone Philippines. “Basta kailangan maganda lang ang death ko. Sana people remember me with kindness, with a smile. Sure na akong mangyayari ‘yan. Nangyari na ‘yan noong scam e, noong akala ko I’m dead, pero hindi.”
