John Mark “Marama” Tokong carried a nation’s hopes onto the lineup at Cloud 9 and still found the calm to take down a World No. 11. The Filipino wildcard beat Brazil’s Samuel Pupo before a roaring home crowd.

Tokong beat Pupo in Round 1 of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour Philippines Pro on Sunday, Nov. 1. He scored 16.60 points on waves of 8.60 and 8.00, while Pupo managed only 11.00 in their opening-round heat.

Tokong Handles Home Pressure

Surfing before a big home crowd, Tokong handled the pressure well in 6-to-8-foot waves under light conditions. He admitted that competing in front of fellow Filipinos was not easy, but he tried not to overthink it once he got into the water.

He kept his composure. “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 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.

Tokong Looks Ahead to Round 2

Representing the Philippines drives him. “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 looks ahead to his next heat. He hopes to give the Filipino fans another performance to cheer for.

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

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

Also backing the event are the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Their support helps power the tournament in General Luna.

The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the Siargao Electric Cooperative (SIARELCO) also support it. It is the first WSL Championship Tour event in the Philippines.