Pinoy surfer advances to Round 2 in WSL PH Pro at Cloud 9

MANILA — John Mark “Marama” Tokong delighted the local crowd at Cloud 9 on Sunday, as he defeated Brazil’s world no. 11 Samuel Pupo and advanced to Round 2 of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour Philippines Pro.

Tokong put up 16.60 points on waves of 8.60 and 8.00, while Pupo could only manage 11.00 in their opening-round heat.

Surfing before a big home crowd, Tokong handled the pressure well, making the most of the 6-to-8-foot waves under light conditions.

He admitted that competing in front of his fellow Filipinos was not easy, but he tried not to think too much about the pressure once he got into the water.

“It’s crazy and amazing. There was a lot of pressure, but I just told myself to relax, keep things simple and enjoy the waves,” Tokong said.

Tokong said he could hear his family, friends and supporters cheering from the shore whenever he came out of a wave. For the Filipino surfer, that made the experience even more special.

“I’m not doing this just for myself, but also for my family, friends, fans and especially the Philippines. Representing my country is very important to me,” he said.

With one round behind him, Tokong is now looking forward to his next heat, hoping to give the Filipino fans another performance to cheer for.

The Philippines Pro is presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), with the support of Surigao del Norte Gov. Robert Lyndon Barbers, General Luna Mayor Johnson Sajulga and Vice Mayor Romina Sajulga.

Surfers who lose in the opening round will still receive US$13,000 (around P830,000), while the champion will collect US$80,000 (approximately P5.1 million).

It’s an important sum for young Filipina surfer Mara Lopez, who bowed out against world No. 1 Molly Picklum in the first round.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio shared that Lopez’s parents were unable to travel to Siargao because they could not afford the expenses.

The WSL and PSC wanted to bring her parents to the island so they could watch their daughter compete, but Gregorio said they learned about the situation too late to arrange the trip.