Marama Tokong has made Cloud 9 his stage for a decade, and now surfing’s best are coming to meet him there. The Siargao native earned a World Surf League (WSL) wildcard for the first Championship Tour event ever held in the Philippines.

The Philippines Pro, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), runs from Oct. 31 to Nov. 10, 2026, at Cloud 9. Tokong, a four-time winner there, called the chance “one of my biggest dreams.”

Why Tokong Is the King of Cloud 9 at the WSL Philippines Pro

John Mark “Marama” Tokong won the Siargao International Surfing Cup at Cloud 9 in 2015, 2019, 2022 and 2023, earning the nickname “King of Cloud 9.” The event has been part of the WSL Qualifying Series since 2014.

WSL APAC President Andrew Stark said Tokong “has become synonymous with Cloud 9 over the past decade.” He called Tokong the best person to represent the Philippines in the country’s first Championship Tour event.

Jayuard Alciso and Mara Lopez also secured wildcard spots, giving the Philippines three surfers at Cloud 9. Tokong said he would love to surf against Gabriel Medina or Italo Ferreira, calling the matchup something for his “core memories.”

Siargao Gears Up for the World’s Top Surfers at the Philippines Pro

The Philippines Pro was upgraded from a Qualifying Series event to a Championship Tour stop, according to the WSL. Cloud 9, known for its powerful right-hand barrels, has long drawn surfers from around the world.

The lineup is expected to include Brazil’s Gabriel Medina, Italo Ferreira, Filipe Toledo and Miguel Pupo, along with Italy’s Leonardo Fioravanti and Japan’s Kanoa Igarashi. Women’s entries include Molly Picklum and Caroline Marks.

PSC Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio called it a “historic moment for Philippine surfing” that can inspire young athletes and boost sports tourism. He said it shows the Philippines is ready to stand with the best.

Philippine Sports Ambassador William Vincent “Vinny” Araneta Marcos said, “The waves have always been here. The talent has always been here.” He called the event a chance to show the world what Filipinos have known all along.

Surigao del Norte Governor Lyndon Barbers and General Luna Mayor Johnson Sajulga guided preparations alongside the Department of Tourism and the Department of Public Works and Highways. For Tokong, the stage is set at home.