MANILA — Lolit “Manay Lolit” Solis, one of the most recognizable and influential figures in Philippine entertainment journalism, passed away peacefully on July 3 at the age of 78. Her death was confirmed by her daughter, Angel Liza “Sneezy” Pasamonte, who said Solis died in the hospital after years of managing chronic illness. She had been undergoing regular dialysis treatments since 2022 due to kidney disease, with her family later sharing that complications involving her heart and kidneys contributed to her passing. Widely known for her fearless commentary, sharp wit, and deep connections within show business, Solis occupied a rare space in Philippine media where journalism, celebrity culture, and mentorship intersected. For decades, she was both a trusted insider and a public voice, shaping narratives that influenced careers and captivated audiences nationwide. Her passing marks the end of an era in local entertainment reporting, one defined by candor, resilience, and an unmistakable personal style.

Born on May 20, 1947, in Sampaloc, Manila, Solis began her journalism career in the late 1960s as a police beat reporter before transitioning into entertainment news, where she found her lasting calling. Her columns became widely read for their unfiltered opinions and insider perspectives, making her a powerful tastemaker in showbiz. From 1995 to 2015, she further cemented her public presence as a co-host of GMA Network’s long-running talk show Startalk, which brought celebrity news into Filipino living rooms every weekend. Beyond reporting, Solis was a formidable talent manager who guided the careers of major stars such as Bong Revilla, Christopher de Leon, Lorna Tolentino, Gabby Concepcion, and Paolo Contis. Though her career included controversies—most notably her involvement in the 1994 Manila Film Festival awards scandal—she accepted responsibility, faced the consequences, and eventually rebuilt her standing, demonstrating an uncommon capacity for reinvention.