Saluting Lolit Solis: The fearless voice of Philippine showbiz

There are few names in Philippine entertainment journalism as enduring and polarizing as Lolita “Lolit” A. Solis. For more than five decades, she was a force of nature — fiercely outspoken, endlessly entertaining, and unapologetically herself.

Born on 20 May, 1947, in the heart of Sampaloc, Manila, Lolit’s beginnings were far from glamorous. Raised in a humble residential area near National University, she never let circumstance dictate her ambition. She attended a journalism seminar — and from there, she hustled her way into the media scene, fueled by sharp wit, street-smart instincts, and an insatiable curiosity about the glittering world of showbiz.

Lolit began her career in print, where her columns became must-reads for anyone who wanted the latest in Philippine entertainment. But she truly became a household name with the rise of talk shows like Scoop and StarTalk, where her no-holds-barred commentary, distinctive humor, and signature smirk made her both loved and loathed in equal measure. If there was a controversy brewing or a secret waiting to be spilled, Lolit often had the scoop first.

As the media landscape evolved, so did she. In her later years, she found new life on social media, particularly Instagram, where her candid posts — peppered with celebrity tidbits, everyday musings, and her signature conversational tone — resonated with fans new and old. While many her age faded from the spotlight, Lolit stayed relevant by being raw, real, and relentlessly visible.

Lolit also mastered the art of talent management, taking high-profile names under her watchful and protective influence: Gabby Concepcion, Lorna Tolentino, Christopher de Leon, etc.

Of course, her career was not without its shadows. The infamous 1994 Manila Film Festival scam — in which she pleaded guilty to orchestrating a rigged awards announcement — remains a dark footnote in an otherwise luminous, if turbulent, career. Yet even in controversy, Lolit never denied her part nor begged for sympathy. She carried her mistakes the way she did everything else: with a shrug, a sharp quip, and an unwavering gaze at the camera.

More than just a host or columnist, Lolit Solis was a chronicler of showbiz history. Through decades of feuds, breakups, comebacks, and career launches, she had a front-row seat — and often, a front-page headline. She was a manager, a critic, a mentor, and at times, the very story itself.

In her later years, as she bravely faced health struggles — including regular dialysis and hospitalizations — she remained connected to her audience. Her posts reflected vulnerability and humor in equal measure. Even in pain, she wrote. Even in uncertainty, she shared.

Today, as we look back at the legacy of Lolit Solis, we remember a woman who dared to speak, dared to stumble, and dared to stay in the spotlight long after others had left. She may not have always said what we wanted to hear — but she always said what she believed.

And in the loud, fast-moving world of showbiz, that kind of voice is rare.

Maraming salamat, Manay Lolit — sa kwento, sa ingay, at sa hindi matawarang pagmamahal sa industriya.