Lolit Solis passes away at 78

MANILA, Philippines, July 4 ------ Veteran entertainment writer, host and manager Lolit Solis has passed away. She was 78 years old. Solis’ daughter — Angel Liza ‘Sneezy’ Pasamonte — confirmed the news in a statement sent to the media Friday morning.

“Our beloved Manay Lolit Solis has peacefully joined her Creator last 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,” Pasamonte wrote. Solis, who has been on dialysis for the past three years, finally succumbed to complications of kidney disease while hospitalized.

A well-known figure in show business, Solis — a Mass Communication graduate from the University of the Philippines — started her career in journalism as a police beat reporter before being transferred to the entertainment section, which opened opportunities beyond writing. She was among the pioneers of showbiz-oriented talk shows, notably co-hosting one of the longest-running programs in the genre, “Startalk,” which aired from 1995 to 2015. In addition to writing and hosting, Solis was also famous for managing the careers of several artists, including Bong Revilla, Gabby Concepcion, Tonton Gutierrez, Lorna Tolentino, Rudy Fernandez, Christopher de Leon, and Paolo Contis, among others.

Solis’ career was also marked by controversies, most notably the 1994 Manila Film scandal, in which she admitted to orchestrating the switching of winners in the acting categories in favor of her ward, Gabby Concepcion.

In later interviews, Solis said the controversy almost ended her career, but she was able to bounce back and redeem herself, establishing herself as a showbiz authority. Her opinions were widely sought, even by politicians, and her statements frequently made headlines. She also resumed managing celebrities and even expanding her roster of talents. Despite health challenges, Solis continued to write for the tabloid “Pilipino Star Ngayon” and continued to share her thoughts, laden with her trademark sass and frankness, on her Instagram account @akosilolitsolis which amassed nearly 200,000 followers.

In one of her final Instagram posts, Solis reflected on her life well-lived as she navigates her health setbacks. “I have so many things to be thankful for. For me, it feels like my journey in life is enough. Been there, done that. I feel complete and grateful to my God. So if I were to leave now, I have no regrets. Life was good to me, people were kind, and most things worked in my favor. What more could I ask for? Just, thank you to all, my apologies to some, and if ever — just remember me with fondness. I love all of you, and thank you, my God.”

Among the first to give tribute to Solis was actor and former senator Bong Revilla. “You have been a solid rock for me, a staunch defender, and most importantly — a mother who took care of me and my family until your final days with us. You are a tremendous loss to the many people who were touched by your love, as well as to the industry to which you dedicated your entire life. “Our deepest condolences to everyone you left behind. We are all mourning. We love you very, very much.”

Source: manilatimes.net