Dubai Expat Surfs in Filipiniana, PH Flag, and Eats Ube Cake

A Dubai-based influencer is riding high on the internet after paying tribute to the Filipino community in a way that’s anything but ordinary. Karolina Sankiewicz, better known online as Dubai’s “OG Surfer Barbie,” went viral over the weekend for wakesurfing in high heels while wearing a Filipiniana dress—and waving the Philippine flag.

She followed it up with another clip of herself surfing while eating ube cake, a popular Filipino dessert. Together, the videos racked up nearly 62 million views just two days after posting on June 6.

More than just a stunt

The viral clips weren’t AI-generated or made for a marketing gimmick. Speaking to local media, Karolina explained that the tribute was a genuine gesture for her Filipino teammates.

“Many of the people I work with are from the Philippines,” she said. “They’re kind, hardworking, and an important part of our community here in the UAE. We wanted to do something meaningful to celebrate them ahead of Philippine Independence Day.”

The idea came together quickly after a friend brought back an authentic Filipiniana dress from a recent trip to the Philippines. The dress became the star of the shoot, which aimed to celebrate Filipino culture with pride.

Behind the scenes of the viral surf tribute

The videos may look smooth and effortless, but Karolina says the execution took serious preparation. The team included surf coaches, a videographer, and assistants to ensure every detail—from the custom-printed flag to matching surfboards and heels—was perfect.

“We shot everything in one go,” Karolina said. “There’s no second take when you’re surfing. It looks fun, but every clip involves a lot of planning and coordination.”

She added that the flag was custom-made and delivered just a day before the shoot, and the surfboards were matched to her outfits. The dessert? Ube cake—used to give the clip a fun cultural touch.

The main video drops on June 11

The two viral videos were actually behind-the-scenes clips. The main tribute video is still being edited and is set to release on June 11—just a day before the Philippines marks its 127th Independence Day.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Karolina Agata Sankiewicz 🇦🇪 (@boss_baby001k)

Karolina said she hopes the final version shows her team's sincere appreciation for Filipinos everywhere, especially those in the UAE.

Who is Karolina Sankiewicz?

Karolina is a Polish-born surfer, entrepreneur, and former corporate executive who has lived in the UAE for over 12 years. Before moving to Dubai, she spent six years in Hawaii, where she fell in love with surfing.

She holds an MBA in International Business and previously worked in the oil and gas sector, investment firms, and family offices before shifting to content creation.

Now, she’s best known for combining her wakesurfing skills with eye-catching fashion—and for creating content that connects cultures, like this tribute to the Filipino community.