John Mark Tokong

John Mark Tokong
Personal information
NicknameMarama
Born (1996-09-26) September 26, 1996
Height157.5 cm (5 ft 2 in)
Spouse
Danni Hughes
​
(m. 2020)​
Children1
Surfing career
SportSurfing
Medal record
Men's surfing
Representing  Philippines
SEA Games
Bronze medal – third place2019 PhilippinesShortboard

John Mark "Marama" Tokong is a Filipino professional surfer based in Siargao Island.

Early life

John Mark Tokong was born on September 29, 1996.[1] He is the son of a fisherman from the town of General Luna in Surigao del Norte.[2]

Career

John Mark Tokong is a surfer based in Siargao Island with Cloud 9 in General Luna as his home break.[3][4] He is 157.5 cm (5 ft 2 in) high.[5] He first competed in the junior level in 2012.[1]

Tokong takes part in the Siargao International Surfing Cup which is held in his hometown. He won the 2015 edition beating fellow Filipino surfer Piso Alcala in the final.[6] He finished as runners up in the 24th Siargao International Surfing Cup and won the 25th edition in October 2019.[7][8]

Tokong took part at the surfing competition of the 2019 SEA Games in the Philippines. He competed in the men's shortboard where he won a bronze medal.[9][10]

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused Tokong to not surf for a year. He was however able to participate in surfing again in early 2021. Tokong routinely competes in Australia from January to March.[11][12] Tokong attempted to qualify for the 2024 Summer Olympics via the 2021 ISA World Surfing Games in El Salvador.[13]

At the 26th Siargao International Surfing Cup in 2022, Tokong defended his title.[2]

Tokong became the first Filipino surfer to qualify and compete in the 2023 World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series in May in Gold Coast, Australia.[14][15]

Tokong earned a wildcard to take part at the 11th leg of the 2026 season of the WSL which will be held in Cloud 9, Siargao.[3]

Personal life

Tokong is married Australian citizen Danni Hughes in 2020. He met Hughes who was a solo tourist visiting Siargao Island. They have a daughter.[16]

References

  1. 1 2 "John Mark Tokong Surfer Bio". World Surf League. September 28, 2014. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
  2. 1 2 Ruaya, Rhobie (October 17, 2022). "Local favorite John Mark Tokong bags Siargao International Surfing Cup title". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
  3. 1 2 Tribune, Daily (July 14, 2026). "Tokong fulfills surfing dream". Daily Tribune. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
  4. ↑ Pineda, Carlos (January 25, 2024). "Family and country served as inspiration for Tokong in World Surf League". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
  5. ↑ Henson, Joaquin (November 17, 2019). "Magnificent 7 to fly Philippine colors in surfing". The Philippine Star. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
  6. ↑ "Tokong Claims Victory at Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup". World Surf League. September 27, 2015. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
  7. ↑ "Tokong last man standing in Siargao International". The Philippine Star. October 12, 2019. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
  8. ↑ Catoto, Roel (October 9, 2019). "Filipino surfer captures international surfing title". MindaNews. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
  9. ↑ Henson, Joaquin (November 17, 2019). "Magnificent 7 to fly Philippine colors in surfing". The Philippine Star. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
  10. ↑ Garcia, Maria Angelica (December 8, 2019). "SEA GAMES 2019: Blancada adds another gold in surfing medal haul". GMA News. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
  11. ↑ Mangubat, Lio; Eijansantos, Michael (April 14, 2021). "Training apart but united in confidence, PH surfing team ready for Olympic qualifiers". Sports Interactive Network Philippines. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
  12. ↑ Henson, Joaquin (April 17, 2021). "Surfers chase Olympic dream". The Philippine Star. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
  13. ↑ "Pinoy surfers in good spirits ahead of Olympic qualifiers in El Salvador". ABS-CBN News. May 20, 2021. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
  14. ↑ Cordero, KC (March 29, 2023). "John Mark Tokong: 1st Pinoy in WSL Series". PEP.ph (in Filipino). Retrieved July 19, 2026.
  15. ↑ "Meet John Mark 'Marama' Tokong, first Filipino surfer to compete at the World Surf League Challenger series". SBS Language. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
  16. ↑ Monserate, Glory Mae (June 14, 2020). "Philippine pro surfer na si Marama Tokong, ikinasal na sa girlfriend sa Australia" [Philippine pro surfer Marama Tokong, now married to girlfriend in Australia]. Kami.com.ph (in Filipino). Retrieved July 19, 2026.
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