The Philippine entertainment industry is once again in mourning following the passing of veteran columnist, talent manager, and TV host Lolit “Manay” Solis, who died at the age of 78.
Her daughter, Angel Liza “Sneezy” Pasamonte, confirmed the sad news, stating, “We love you and you will forever be in our hearts. Rest well now in the loving embrace of our Lord.” Solis passed away on July 3 due to complications related to kidney disease. She had been undergoing regular dialysis treatments in recent years but chose not to undergo transplant surgery.
Despite her health struggles, Manay Lolit remained active and present in the showbiz world, even if her public appearances had become limited. She continued writing for Pilipino Star Ngayon and maintained a strong presence on social media, particularly through her candid posts on Instagram (@akosilolitsolis), where she connected with nearly 200,000 followers through her signature wit and frankness.
A graduate of Mass Communication from the University of the Philippines, Lolit began her journalism career covering police beats before transitioning to entertainment reporting—a move that would define her legacy. She became one of the most recognized voices in showbiz journalism and a pioneer in entertainment talk shows, most notably as a co-host of ‘Startalk’ (1995–2015), one of the genre’s longest-running programs.
Beyond her work as a columnist and host, Lolit Solis also made her mark as a respected talent manager, guiding the careers of some of the industry’s biggest stars. Her long list of talents included Senator Bong Revilla Jr., Lani Mercado, Christopher de Leon, Lorna Tolentino, Tonton Gutierrez and Glydel Mercado, Paolo Contis, Gladys Reyes, Yasmien Kurdi, Pauleen Luna-Sotto, and the late Rudy Fernandez, among others.
While her career had its share of controversy—most notably the 1994 Manila Film Festival scandal—Lolit openly admitted her missteps and eventually regained the industry’s trust. In the years that followed, she re-established herself as a key figure in Philippine showbiz, known for her unapologetic opinions, fearless commentary, and unmatched insider knowledge.
Known to many as “Manay Lolit,” she was both feared and beloved in showbiz circles. Her tough exterior and no-nonsense take on showbiz issues were balanced by her sense of humor, loyalty, and genuine care for those close to her.
Behind her mataray image was a woman full of life, candor, and warmth—something this writer can personally attest to from years of covering events and bumping into her in the field.
From all of us at LionhearTV, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and many artists whose lives were touched by Manay Lolit. Thank you, Manay, for the decades of stories, truths, and fearless commentary. May you rest in eternal peace.
