Siargao ace draws wild card entry to World Surf

MANILA, Philippines — John Mark Tokong was once a wide-eyed kid from Siargao who grabbed a surfboard, charged straight into the waves, and dreamed of competing at surfing’s highest level.

That dream is soon to become a reality with the 29-year-old dynamo receiving a wild card entry to the World Surf League Championship Tour, set for Oct. 31-Nov. 10 at Cloud 9 in his home island.

“This was my dream when I was a kid just starting out,” Tokong said during a media conference at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

WSL Asia Pacific President Andrew Stark personally awarded one of three wild card slots to Tokong, better known as “Marama” or “the lone kid from Siargao.” The other two spots will go to the men’s and women’s Qualifying Series champions this October, also in Siargao.

The milestone was made possible through the support of Vinny Marcos, son of President Marcos and an avid surfer, and Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio.

“I want to thank my father for always supporting surfing without hesitation,” Marcos said. “I can’t wait to show the world not just our world-class waves, but our world-class talent.”