Paolo Contis, Lani Mercado remember Lolit Solis as defender, protector

For Paolo Contis and Lani Mercado, Lolit Solis was more than just a veteran showbiz writer, host, and talent manager—she was a loyal defender to those she loved.

On Tuesday’s “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” Paolo and Lani looked back at some of their fondest memories with the late entertainment personality, with Paolo reaffirming his previous statement where he called her his “protector and enemy.”

“Iba kasi kami mag-away ni ‘Nay Lolit eh. As in, grabe ‘yung pagpapagalit niya sa akin kapag may mga maling nangyayari. And kapag hindi ako sumusunod, ang gagawin niya, ‘yung mga mali ko, ikakalat niya ‘yun,” Paolo said.

But this tough love was accompanied by fierce protection, the Kapuso actor said.

“Po-protektahan naman niya ako kapag nag-backfire sa akin. Pero gano'n talaga siya maglambing. She’ll protect you kahit kanino, kahit kanino talaga nang-aaway talaga siya. Nakita ko ‘yun, naranasan ko ‘yun,” he said.

Like Paolo, Lani also remembered Lolit’s protective nature, adding she was a sharp investigator and unwavering defender.

“Mas marami pa siyang alam kesa sa akin. At sasabihin niya lahat ang mga sikreto. At pagkatapos nun, pero at the end of the day, sasabihin niya, ‘‘Wag kang mag-alala, imbestigahan ko ‘yan,” Lani said.

“Pero para sa akin, nanay will always be our defender,” she added.

Per Lani, Lolit was a straightforward person and often told her exactly what was right and what was wrong.

“Pero ang laging advice niya sa akin is ‘Laban lang, Lani. Stay. Stick it out through thick and thin.’ Kasi nanay eh. Alam naman natin ‘yung storya naming mag-asawa. She will always be there in the highs and lows of our lives,” she said.

Lolit Solis passed away last week after suffering a heart attack. She was 78. According to Tito Boy, her remains were cremated. — Carby Basina/LA, GMA Integrated News