Top Filipino surfer John Mark Tokong earned a wildcard slot as the Philippines hosts the 11th leg of the World Surf League (WSL) at the Cloud 9 Surfing Area in Surigao del Norte from 31 October to 10 November.

Tokong, 29, said participating in one of the biggest surfing competitions in the world has been a dream, especially because he gets to surf at his home break.

“This is really our dream, and now it’s finally happening. When I was a kid and just starting out, I never even thought about the World Tour,” Tokong said in a press conference at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex on Tuesday.

“Back then, it was only Cloud 9, and I was just enjoying surfing and joining the Qualifying Series (QS) events. I won maybe four QS events, and now the World Tour is happening at Cloud 9 — my home break.”

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio said they are doing everything they can to ensure that the event will not only run smoothly but also inspire a new generation of surfers.

“The WSL isn’t here for just one year. This is a two-year agreement, and if they’re happy with our performance, it could be extended,” Gregorio said.

“Whenever we host events like this, we create opportunities not only for our young athletes and surfers but also for the municipality and the province to upgrade their facilities. This is a great opportunity for General Luna, Siargao, and Surigao del Norte.”

WSL Asia Pacific president Andrew Stark agreed with Gregorio, saying he wants the locals to be involved in the tournament.

The Philippines is the only Asian leg of the tour, which also passes through Australia, El Salvador, Brazil, New Zealand, French Polynesia, Fiji, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Portugal and Hawaii.

“It’s like having the World Cup of surfing here. At the event, we’ll have a Rising Tides program where young boys and girls will have the opportunity to meet the world’s best surfers, spend time with them, and even surf with them,” Stark said.

“We’ll also have local kids serving as board caddies, carrying the athletes’ boards. Local board riders’ clubs and educational programs will also be involved.” =