BEFORE JOHN MARK TOKONG stepped into the finals of the Men's Shortboard category in the World Surf League, he was seen bathing on a rocky puddle with the waves crashing towards him.
It seemed he was meditating, telling the waves to be kind to him, as he has finally reached the ultimate stage in his career.
As he plunged into the waves, it seemed his prayers were answered as he managed to cruise his way past the strong tides. At one point he was seen celebrating while standing on his board, waving to the Filipinos who watched him.
In the end, he scored a total of 17.90 points, above his competitor's 13.25 points, which ultimately gave the Philippines some bragging rights on their home turf.
When asked about how he felt for winning everything in Urbiztondo, La Union, the Siargao native admitted that the outcome was something that he never expected.
Country and family first
"To be honest talaga, I didn't expect na I'm gonna win dito because all the athletes here are all good surfers from Japan, Indonesia, and around the world," he reflected to the press.
Yet despite the top tier competition he faced, Tokong kept his eyes on the prize, especially when seeing the people who supported him.
"Grabe talaga. I can't really describe what I'm really feeling, it's like I'm so happy and so stoke right now. Literally everyone here right now is here supporting me, my family, all the people watching this event. I'm so grateful to you guys thank you."
But ultimately he dedicated everything not only to his family, but most importantly his country.
"I'm not doing this for myself, I'm doing this for my family, for the Philippines because I qualified for the Challenger series so I'm bringing the Philippine flag," revealed Tokong.
Surviving the rough waves
Being a native in one of the biggest surf destinations in the Philippines and being a Filipino likewise meant that Tokong has the edge in learning more about the waves in the country.
As a Siargao surfer, Tokong was ready to handle the challenges he faced in La Union.
"Everyone is a good surfer naman but Cloud 9 is a different surf spot and a different community beside a small island so the wave there is very consistent," he looked back.
And speaking about challenges, one of them would be the unpredictability of the waves, a problem that most surfers would face.
So how does Tokong deal with the usual struggles against the rough waves? It all boils down to one's mental fortitude.
"There are bigger waves, tapos nagbababa siya, sometimes it's like soft lang. As a habit talaga, no matter what waves you're heading, good waves, bad waves, you have to get used to it."
He was able to get things done in La Union, where he found the perfect balance against the gathering storm. In the end, he was astonished by his experience.
"Sobrang ganda talaga ng alon dito (La Union), I will never stop coming back," he said.
Now he will face more challanges ahead, with Baler serving as his next destination.
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