Dubai-based content maker Karolina Agata Sankiewicz went popular after posting a surfing video in full Filipiniana dress to celebrate Philippine Independence Day. The dedication, which was shared on social media, has stirred widespread admiration and cultural pride.
Sankiewicz, dressed in a modern take on the baro’t saya, gracefully surfed the waves while clutching the Philippine flag, which represents independence, resilience, and the dynamic spirit of the Filipino people. The video was created as a heartfelt tribute to the Philippines’ 126th year of independence, and it rapidly resonated with Filipinos all around the world.
Netizens hailed the brave tribute for combining legacy and creativity, and the film has received hundreds of thousands of views across multiple platforms. It was described as a “goosebumps moment” as well as a “powerful reminder that culture can be celebrated anywhere—even on a surfboard in Dubai.”
Sankiewicz, who has a significant Filipino fan following, explained that the tribute was her way of honouring a country that she considers home. “The Philippines is in my heart. “I wanted to celebrate its independence with something unforgettable,” she explained. Mission accomplished.
