Tokong raring to make waves
JOHN Mark ‘Marama’ Tokong looks forward to displaying his wares at home as he competes in the WSL Philippines Pro Championship Tour in Siargao.
When the World Surf League (WSL) Philippines Pro Championship Tour arrives in Siargao on 30 October, it will mark a historic first as the nation hosts the most prestigious and competitive surfing tournament on the planet.
For Filipino fans, the spotlight shines brightest on John Mark “Marama” Tokong, who has been awarded a coveted wildcard to compete at his home break, Cloud 9.
The WSL Championship Tour is surfing’s equivalent of the Formula 1 Grand Prix or tennis’ Wimbledon and French Open — a global stage reserved for the sport’s elite.
To have a Filipino surfer in the lineup is a breakthrough moment for Philippine surfing, a chance to showcase local talent against the very best in the world.
“Getting the chance to compete in a CT event at my home break is one of my biggest dreams. I’m really grateful for the opportunity and excited to represent my hometown and our country,’’ said Tokong, himself humbled by the opportunity.
Cloud 9, with its flawless right-hand barrels, has long been a proving ground for international surfers. But no one knows this wave better than Tokong.
Since the Siargao International Surfing Cup joined the WSL Qualifying Series in 2014, Tokong has built an extraordinary record of five finals appearances and four victories (2015, 2019, 2022, 2023).
His dominance has earned him the unofficial crown as the “King of Cloud 9.”
“The waves have always been here. The talent has always been here,” said Presidential Son and Philippine Sports Ambassador William Vincent “Vinny” Araneta Marcos, a dedicated force behind the rise of Philippine surfing.