Philippine beauty is soaring, but this time, quite literally. One of the world’s most iconic doll brands, Monster High, has turned the spotlight on local folklore by introducing a doll inspired by one of the country’s most feared yet fascinating mythical creatures: the manananggal. Representation matters, even in the most unexpected places, and this newest addition is bound to have Filipino fans scrambling to get their hands on her.
Manananggal Maven
If that’s not Filipino enough, this winged beauty carries a name that’s deeply rooted in local culture — Corazon Marikit. “Corazon,” meaning heart, says so much about her part-human and part-mythical features while “Marikit,” which translates to beautiful, perfectly screams her haunting charm.
She has long, wavy purple hair adorned with a floral headpiece and a striking face-up featuring dark, dramatic makeup and deep red lips. Her red fringed dress demonstrates beautiful embroidery and lattice patterns inspired by traditional Filipino textiles, paired with sheer puffed sleeves for a vintage-modern touch.
Staying true to her supernatural roots, she comes with gold bat-like wings with lace-like detailing and a detachable torso feature to mimic the manananggal’s eerie transformation. She holds an ornate abaniko fan and a woven sun-shaped purse, nodding to Filipino craftsmanship. Her golden heels feature bat-wing embellishments, tying the look together.
Monster High introduced the doll with a striking description: “Decked out in foil prints, fringe and embroidered bat wings. With a body that separates in two, she’s ready to take flight.” Corazon Marikit’s body actually splits in half, making her one of the most unique dolls in the Monster High lineup. The doll will arrive in the “most innovative, two-part packaging design,” according to the company.
Monster High vs. Barbie
If dolls had personalities, Barbie would be the polished valedictorian who balances a dozen extracurriculars, while Monster High would be the artsy goth kid sketching bats in the margins of her notebook. Both come from the same family — Mattel — but their vibes couldn’t be more different.
Barbie represents aspiration, showing that you can be anything — from a doctor to an astronaut to a presidential candidate. She’s classic, stylish and ever-evolving to reflect the times. Monster High, on the other hand, thrives on individuality, embracing flaws, quirks and the beauty of being different. Despite their differences, both doll lines champion the same thing: self-expression.
Corazon Marikit is a creature this iconic taking flight; who knows? Maybe other Filipino mythical beings will be next. A tikbalang in platform boots? The possibilities are endless.
For years, Western folklore has dominated pop culture, with vampires, werewolves and witches taking center stage. Now, a distinctly Filipino creature is sharing the spotlight, showing that the country’s rich mythology is just as haunting as its global counterparts.
Filipino fans are already buzzing with excitement, with many taking to social media to express how much this means to them. A doll inspired by a creature they grew up hearing about — one that usually takes on a terrifying form in stories — is now being reimagined with both fierceness and elegance.