John Mark Tokong
 Marama in 2026 during the WSL Philippines Pro in Siargao | |||||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname | Marama | ||||||||||||||
| Born | September 26, 1996 | ||||||||||||||
| Height | 157.5 cm (5 ft 2 in) | ||||||||||||||
| Spouse |
Danni Hughes (m. 2020) | ||||||||||||||
| Children | 1 | ||||||||||||||
| Surfing career | |||||||||||||||
| Sport | Surfing | ||||||||||||||
Medal record
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John Mark "Marama" Tokong is a Filipino professional surfer based in Siargao Island.
Early life
John Mark Tokong was born on September 29, 1996. He is the son of a fisherman from the town of General Luna in Surigao del Norte.
Career
John Mark Tokong is a surfer based in Siargao Island with Cloud 9 in General Luna as his home break. He is 157.5 cm (5 ft 2 in) high. He first competed in the junior level in 2012.
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. He finished as runners up in the 24th Siargao International Surfing Cup and won the 25th edition in October 2019.
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.
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. Tokong attempted to qualify for the 2024 Summer Olympics via the 2021 ISA World Surfing Games in El Salvador.
At the 26th Siargao International Surfing Cup in 2022, Tokong defended his title.
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.
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.
Personal life
Tokong is married to Australian citizen Danni Hughes in 2020. He met Hughes who was a solo tourist visiting Siargao Island. They have a daughter.
References
- 1 2 "John Mark Tokong Surfer Bio". World Surf League. September 28, 2014. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
- 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.
- 1 2 Tribune, Daily (July 14, 2026). "Tokong fulfills surfing dream". Daily Tribune. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Henson, Joaquin (November 17, 2019). "Magnificent 7 to fly Philippine colors in surfing". The Philippine Star. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
- ↑ "Tokong Claims Victory at Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup". World Surf League. September 27, 2015. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
- ↑ "Tokong last man standing in Siargao International". The Philippine Star. October 12, 2019. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
- ↑ Catoto, Roel (October 9, 2019). "Filipino surfer captures international surfing title". MindaNews. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
- ↑ Henson, Joaquin (November 17, 2019). "Magnificent 7 to fly Philippine colors in surfing". The Philippine Star. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
- ↑ Garcia, Maria Angelica (December 8, 2019). "SEA GAMES 2019: Blancada adds another gold in surfing medal haul". GMA News. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Henson, Joaquin (April 17, 2021). "Surfers chase Olympic dream". The Philippine Star. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
- ↑ "Pinoy surfers in good spirits ahead of Olympic qualifiers in El Salvador". ABS-CBN News. May 20, 2021. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
- ↑ Cordero, KC (March 29, 2023). "John Mark Tokong: 1st Pinoy in WSL Series". PEP.ph (in Filipino). Retrieved July 19, 2026.
- ↑ "Meet John Mark 'Marama' Tokong, first Filipino surfer to compete at the World Surf League Challenger series". SBS Language. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
- ↑ 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.