Filipino surfer John Mark “Marama” Tokong made history at the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour Philippines Pro after defeating Brazilian surfer Samuel Pupo in the opening round at Cloud 9 in Siargao.
Competing as a wildcard, the Siargao native scored 16.60 points against Pupo’s 11.00, becoming the first Filipino to win a heat in the prestigious WSL Championship Tour.
Known as the “King of Cloud 9,” Tokong advanced to the second round but eventually bowed out after losing to Australian world No. 7 Ethan Ewing, who scored 14.50 against his 11.54.
Despite his exit, Tokong's historic victory gave Filipino surfing a significant milestone and brought pride to the local surfing community.
Tokong Puts Philippine Surfing in the Spotlight
The international competition brought some of the world's top surfers to Siargao, further highlighting the island's reputation as a premier surfing destination.
Another Filipino wildcard, Jayuard Alciso, also competed in the tournament, showcasing the country's growing pool of surfing talent.
P10-M Tourist Rest Area Opens in Siargao
Coinciding with the international sporting event, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) inaugurated a PHP10-million Tourist Rest Area in General Luna on October 29.
Completed in August 2026, the facility features restrooms, shower areas, lounge spaces, charging stations and spaces for locally made products.
DOT Undersecretary Maria Victoria Jasmin said tourism development should go beyond attracting visitors by ensuring their safety, comfort and well-being. The facility will also provide micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) opportunities to promote their products.
Travel Taxes Fund Tourism Development
TIEZA Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid said the project was funded through the agency's 50-percent share of travel tax collections.
In 2025, TIEZA collected PHP8.78 billion in travel taxes, equivalent to approximately PHP4.39 billion allocated for tourism infrastructure.
The agency is also funding developments at Day-asan Mangrove in Surigao City and in the municipality of Mainit.
The inauguration was attended by Jasmin, Lapid, Surigao del Norte Gov. Robert Lyndon Barbers, General Luna Mayor Johnson Sajulga, and DOT Caraga Regional Director Ivonnie Dumadag.
