`Surfing Barbie’ draws mixed reactions for her take on Filipiniana

Content creator Karolina Agata Sankiewicz also known as Surfing Barbie is seen here surfing while in a Filipiniana gown holding the Philippine flag. Photo from Sankiewicz Facebook page.

MANILA, Philippines — The video of a foreign content creator which shows her holding a flag of the Philippines while surfing has drawn mixed reactions from Filipino viewers.

In the Facebook reel of Dubai content creator Karolina Agata Sankiewicz, also known as “Surfing Barbie,” was seen wearing a Filipiniana gown and holding a Philippine flag while surfing. The rhythm of the Philippine national anthem, Lupang Hinirang, also served as the background music.

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The Facebook reel was uploaded on Friday afternoon (Philippine Time) and has already garnered more than 10 million views.

Sankiewicz said in a separate post that she decided to create the video to honor Philippine culture as her team members are Filipinos.

“We wanted to honor Filipino culture and community—especially here in the UAE, where the Filipino community is such a vibrant and essential part of society. I love you Philippines,” she said.

Meanwhile, after Sankiewicz’s video went viral, it garnered mixed reactions among Filipino viewers, with some thanking her for raising the Philippine flag, while others perceived it as disrespect.

Here are some of the comments on Sankiewicz’s post:

Sankiewicz then explained through replying to a netizen’s comment that the video was made for the upcoming Independence Day “as my team members are from the Philippines.”

“We respect and value each other and support that’s why we made this video, so everyone around the world can celebrate Philippines Independence Day,” she said.

Sankiewicz is known for her content about her surfing while holding different objects and wearing unique attires.