Alfred Vargas graduates as valedictorian in UP, mentions Lolit Solis in his speech

• Alfred Vargas was named valedictorian during his recent graduation at the University of the Philippines School of Urban and Regional Planning
• The Quezon City 5th District councilor dedicated the meaningful milestone to Lolit Solis
• He affectionately mentioned his late talent manager in his emotional valedictory speech
• It can be recalled that Solis passed away on July 3 at the age of 78 after her long battle with kidney disease

Quezon City 5th District Councilor Alfred Vargas was the valedictorian of the Diploma on Urban and Regional Planning (DURP) program of the University of the Philippines Diliman’s School of Urban and Regional Planning (SURP).

According to a report by Manila Standard, the actor-politician finished with the highest general weighted average (GWA) of 1.0288 among the entire DURP Class of 2025 and received the Dean’s Medallion, the highest academic distinction awarded by the university’s SURP.

According to Manila Bulletin’s article, Vargas turned emotional during his valedictory speech at the graduation ceremony held last Saturday, July 5 at the UP Film Center. He earnestly dedicated his diploma and achievement to his late 21-year talent manager, Lolit Solis.

“Nay Lolit, para sa ‘yo ang tagumpay na ito. (Nay Lolit, this victory is for you)," he tearfully aired.

Solis passed away on Thursday, July 3 after her long battle with kidney disease.

Previously, in a deeply emotional post, Vargas expressed how much he mourns his longtime talent manager’s demise.

“My heart is totally broken. I feel like nawala ang isang malaking bahagi ng buhay ko. Ngayon ko lang nakayanan mag-post,” the actor-politician wrote.

He sorrowfully continued, “Nawalan ako ng Nanay. Nawalan ako ng kaibigan. Nawalan ako ng Ninang. Nawalan ako ng tagapagpayo, mapacareer man o personal. Nawalan ako ng tagapagtanggol. Nawalan ako ng manager.”

“21 years tayong magkasama, Nay Lolit. Walang kontrata. Just our word of honor at pagmamahal ang pinanghawakan natin through our meaningful years together. Bihira ang ganitong pagsasama. Through thick and thin talaga,” Vargas continued, recounting about his and Solis’ trust and love for each other.

Read his entire post below:

Lolit Solis was a well-known personality in the Philippine showbiz industry. Born on May 20, 1947, in Sampaloc, Manila, she started her career as an entertainment news writer and later became a talent manager and host of television talk shows. She passed away on July 3, 2025 at the age of 78 after her long battle with kidney disease.

In a previous report by KAMI, Sandy Andolong shared on Instagram Stories some photos captured when she and her husband, Christopher de Leon, visited Solis’ wake, which is being held at Aeternitas Chapels and Columbarium in Commonwealth, Quezon City. Aside from the couple, Pauleen Luna, Lorna Tolentino, Cavite representative Lani Mercado-Revilla, Benjie Paras, Tonton Gutierrez, and Glydel Mercado, have also visited the wake. ABS-CBN Chief Operating Officer for Broadcast Cory Vidanes was likewise spotted paying her respects to the late talent manager and entertainment reporter.

Cristy Fermin turned emotional while tackling Lolit Solis’ passing on Friday’s episode of “Cristy Ferminute.” Fermin recalled how strong their friendship was despite having conflicting opinions on some issues. Nay Cristy also looked back on Solis’ recent text message to her, where Manay Lolit expressed her gratitude and support for her fellow showbiz reporter. The “CFM” host could not help but cry while reading the touching message.

Source: KAMI.com.gh