John Mark Tokong in action during a recent surfing competition in Siargao. (PSCT)

National team stalwart John Mark Tokong and two other Filipino bets will carry the country’s hopes Monday in the 25th Siargao International Surfing Cup at the world-famous Cloud 9 surfing spot in Surigao del Norte.

The 23-year-old Tokong, slated to see action in the Southeast Asian Games in La Union in December, must finish no lower than second place in his heat to assure entry to the next round.

“No pressure,’’ said the jolly Tokong, a native of General Luna town where Cloud 9 is located. “Besides, I’m not the only one in the Philippines team.”

Christian Araquil and Jay-r Esquivel will also try to progress in the annual tournament.

Local bets PJ Alipayo, Carlito Nogralo, Kent Brian Solloso and Neil Sanchez failed to move past the quarterfinals.

Others who advanced before the cancellation of the heats due to the irregularity of the waves were Argentina’s Santiago Muniz, Japan’s Jin Suzuki, Australians Callum Robson and Samson Coulter, New Zealand’s Elliot Paerate-Reed and Hawaii’s Noah Beschen.

The event is part of the province’s efforts to promote sustainable tourism and highlight Siargao as one of the best surfing destinations in the world.

The event is marking its 25th year since its first hosting that catapulted the island to world-class status.

Philippine Sports Commission’s Ramon Fernandez was one of the guests during Saturday’s cultural night.