AFTER graduating from the University of the Philippines School of Urban and Regional Planning (SURP), Alfred Vargas dedicated the milestone to his manager Lolit Solis.
Alfred 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). He achieved the highest academic standing in the whole class of 2025 with a General Weighted Average (GWA) of 1.0288 and received the Dean’s Medallion.
Accepting his diploma and achievement, Alfred was emotional during his valedictory speech at the UP Film Center last Saturday, dedicating it to his 21-year manager, Manay Lolit, who passed away the previous Wednesday.
“Nay Lolit, para sa ‘yo ang tagumpay na ito. (Nay Lolit, this victory is for you),” Alfred expressed tearfully.

Lolit Solis and Alfred Vargas

Lolita, a showbiz icon who led a colorful career as an entertainment columnist and talent manager of high-profile celebrities, has passed away. She was 78.
In a separate post, Alfred said he was heartbroken following the demise of the talent manager. His full post on social media:
“My heart is totally broken. I feel like nawala ang isang malaking bahagi ng buhay ko. Ngayon ko lang nakayanan magpost.
“Nawalan ako ng Nanay. Nawalan ako ng kaibigan. Nawalan ako ng Ninang. Nawalan ako ng tagapagpayo, mapa career 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 pinanghahawakan natin through our meaningful years together. Bihira ang ganitong pagsasama. Through thick and thin talaga.
“You believed in me when many didn’t. You were always honest with me and made sure I improved my craft and character. You picked me up when I was down. You helped me become stronger. You treated me like your own child.
“Mahal na mahal kita, Nay Lolit. Sobrang mamimiss kita. Isa lang ang LOLIT SOLIS. Isa lang! Rest in peace, Nay,” Alfred wrote.
The 5th district councilor also thanked his wife, Yasmine, and their children—Alexandra, Aryana, Cristiano, and Aurora- for their support and understanding of the councilor.

In his speech, Councilor Vargas also emphasized the importance of heart and compassion in effective urban planning.
Alfred also called to his fellow graduates and new urban planners, urging them to integrate kindness and compassion into their crucial role in shaping cities.
“This graduation is meaningless if we choose indifference over kindness, if we prioritize ourselves over others, or if we abandon our principles and the fight for what is right,” Alfred stated.
“Walang halaga ang ating pagtatapos kung hindi natin isasabuhay ang kabutihan at kagandahan ng loob. Simple pero totoo. Walang halaga ang lahat ng ito kung tayo ay mananatiling bulag at manhid sa mga nangyayaring kasinungalingan, katiwalian, pati na rin ang malawak na kahirapan. (Our graduation is worthless if we do not practice goodness and kindness. Simple but true. All of this is worthless if we remain blind and indifferent to the ongoing lies, corruption, as well as widespread poverty),” he added in his valedictory address.

Councilor Alfred. Vargas delivers his valedictory message at the University of the Philippines commencement exercises.

“Hindi sapat ang ating mga kamay. Kailangan natin ng puso,” Alfred further affirmed. “Hindi sapat ang teknikal na kaalaman o malalim na expertise para maging urban planner—kailangan natin ng puso at malasakit. (Our hands are not enough. We need a heart,” Alfred further affirmed. “Technical knowledge or deep expertise is not enough to be an urban planner—we need a heart and a passion.)”
Alfred highlighted that kindness is the root of “caring, good governance, a commitment to social justice, respect for equality, and recognition of the dignity of each person.”