Tokong, Alciso bow out after brave stand in Siargao

CEBU, Philippines — Filipino wildcards John Mark “Marama” Tokong and Jayuard Alciso saw their World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour Philippines Pro campaigns come to an end on Monday, November 2, at Cloud 9 in Siargao Island, but Tokong walked away hopeful that the sport’s growing popularity will continue to benefit Siargao while preserving the island’s close-knit community.

Tokong, the longtime “King of Cloud 9,” fell to Australian world No. 7 Ethan Ewing, while Alciso bowed to Japan’s Kanoa Igarashi in their respective heats before a home crowd.

Fresh off a victory in his previous heat, Tokong put up a fight but came up short against Ewing, 14.50-11.54, as the Australian booked a spot in the next round of the prestigious event.

Despite the defeat, Tokong cherished the opportunity to compete against a surfer he has long admired.

“I got my hand. I was so comfortable, like when I was starting against this guy. He’s one of my idols. And I can’t believe he’s kind of like a friend. He’s very nice, and he knows what he’s doing,” Tokong said.

The Siargao native also reflected on how surfing has helped introduce the island to a wider audience and expressed hope that its spirit of cooperation would remain intact as tourism continues to grow.

“This island is so beautiful. Before, back then, all the travelers here, I was a surfer, and now there are so many people who know this place because of the waves, the island and especially the community here in Siargao,” he said.

“It’s so special, and this is why I love our island because the community is so good. The business community here on the island is really like we’re helping each other, and this is how important it is for me. I just wish that we’re going to keep going like this.”

Alciso, meanwhile, nearly mounted a late comeback against Igarashi but ran out of time as the Japanese star secured a 12.90-4.17 victory.

Igarashi built his winning total through scores of 6.67 and 6.23 on his third and fourth waves, respectively, to advance to the next round.

After the heat, Igarashi praised Alciso, whom he also faced in last month’s Asian Games.

“He’s such an amazing surfer. I was competing with him in the Asian Games last month and he’s such an amazing talent and he had such a good heat yesterday,” said Igarashi.

The WSL Championship Tour Philippines Pro is presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, with support from Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Lyndon Barbers, General Luna Mayor Johnson Sajulga and Vice Mayor Romina Sajulga. — (FREEMAN)