In a remarkable display of skill and cultural celebration, Dubai-based surfer Karolina Agata Sankiewicz, popularly known as Dubai’s OG Surfer Barbie, has created viral tribute videos in honor of the Philippines’ 127th Independence Day, celebrated on Thursday, June 12.
Dressed in an authentic Filipiniana attire and high heels, Sankiewicz showcased her wakesurfing talents at Jumeirah Beach while waving the Philippine flag and later enjoying a traditional Filipino dessert, Ube cake — all without missing a beat on the waves.
The two clips, posted on June 6, quickly gained international attention, amassing nearly 62 million views within two days. Far from being a digital stunt, Sankiewicz explained the heartfelt motivation behind the project in an interview with Khaleej Times over the weekend.
“I feel blessed and honored by the overwhelming support for the videos,” she said. “I wanted to pay tribute to my incredible team, many of whom are Filipino. Their kindness and hard work inspire me daily. When they mentioned the upcoming Philippine Independence Day, we knew we had to create something meaningful to celebrate their vibrant community here in the UAE.”
The production featured a specially imported Filipiniana dress, brought back by a friend from the Philippines, highlighting the authenticity and respect intended in the homage.
Behind the scenes, the videos were filmed in one continuous take on June 6, with a professional team including Richard Napenas (captain), Darryl James Mabale (surfing coach), Archie Manz (assistant coach), Maryam Hedayat (videographer), and Hnin OO (assistant). Sankiewicz, a seasoned wakesurfer, noted that performing such stunts in high heels while multitasking demands meticulous preparation and coordination.
“For this project, we had a large custom-made Philippine flag printed in Sharjah delivered the night before shooting. I also incorporated Ube cake to add a cultural and playful element,” she said. “Every detail—from the ironed clothes to the selection of high heels and surfboards—was carefully planned to ensure the perfect execution.”
Sankiewicz promised a full, professionally edited video will be released on June 11, ahead of the Independence Day celebrations, to further honor the Filipino community worldwide.
About Karolina Agata Sankiewicz
Originally from Poland, Sankiewicz has lived in the UAE for over 12 years, following six years in Honolulu, Hawaii—a period that ignited her passion for the ocean and surfing. With an MBA in International Business and over 15 years of experience in the corporate sector, she transitioned into content creation and wakesurfing three years ago.
Her viral breakthrough came two years ago with a TikTok video featuring her wakesurfing while carrying luxury shopping bags and applying makeup, which quickly garnered 20 million views. Since then, she has pushed creative boundaries, performing wakesurfing stunts in gala gowns, high heels, and even while holding unconventional objects like ironing boards and Christmas trees.
Her rising influence attracted luxury brand collaborations and earned her the title of Glamorous Sports Influencer of the Year 2025 at the World Influencers and Bloggers Awards held during the Cannes Festival.
Reflecting on her journey, Sankiewicz said, “What began as a passion has blossomed into a full-time career. I’m grateful every day to do what I love—surfing, creating, and inspiring others.”