WSL Australasia are proud to announce John Mark Tokong (PHL) and Piso Alcala (PHL) have been offered free WSL membership, free insurance, and a wildcard into the Australasian QS event of their choice during the 2015 / 2016 seasons.
"WSL is all about growing the sport of professional surfing and by helping these two talented surfers compete in more events we are giving them opportunities to grow and the whole nation of the Philippines someone to get behind. Both of these guys are world-class surfers and with some more competitive experience, who knows, they could even be the first Filipino surfers on the Championship Tour," said WSL Australasia Tour Manager Will Hayden-Smith.
The pair looked unstoppable, as they took 1st and 2nd at their home event, the Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup in late September. This performance left fans and officials wanting more, giving WSL Australasia a great excuse to put the duo in another event to see how they perform outside of their home break.
Having only ever competed in events at Cloud 9, Tokong and Alcala now get to choose from a number of different events in 7 different countries.
"I'm so happy to have this opportunity," Tokong said. "I didn't think it could get any better after winning at home but now I get the chance to compete again, away from home, I just don't know which one to choose."
Alcala will be looking to one-up his countrymen at whichever event it is the two will choose.
"I enjoy surfing with John Mark," Alcala said. "Being able to travel and compete with him in Taiwan or Australia will be a great experience. It is great WSL is giving us a chance to show what we can do in other waves, not just at home in The Philippines."
Piso Alcala flying over the cross. Pic WSL/Ed Sloan - WSL / Ed Sloane
Making it to the final of a QS1,500 takes serious talent and competitive drive, attributes clearly possessed by Tokong and Alcala. That's why WSL are so excited to see what they will do with this opportunity.
Giving surfers like John Mark and Piso an opportunity like this will hopefully encourage growth of the sport in their country, along with future career and sponsorship opportunities for the individuals themselves.
At only 18 years of age, it will be the first time that Tokong will venture outside of the Philippines.
"Before I choose which event I will surf at, I will have to get a passport as I've never had to use one before. I like to travel so this will be an amazing experience for me."
Stay posted for further news on which event within Australasia the pair will choose to compete in.
More information on the Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup here.
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John Mark Tokong aka Maramar living his dream, winning the biggest contest in his home country. Pic WSL/Ed Sloan
- WSL / Ed Sloane
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John Mark Tokong tracking through the tube. WSL/Ed Sloan
- WSL / Ed Sloane
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Piso Alcala wrestling the foam ball. Pic WSL/Ed Sloan
- WSL / Ed Sloane
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Cloud 9. Pic WSL/Ed Sloan
- WSL
Filipino Pair Offered WSL Support After Strong Finish at Cloud 9
WSL
WSL Australasia are proud to announce John Mark Tokong (PHL) and Piso Alcala (PHL) have been offered free WSL membership, free insurance, and a wildcard into the Australasian QS event of their choice during the 2015 / 2016 seasons.
"WSL is all about growing the sport of professional surfing and by helping these two talented surfers compete in more events we are giving them opportunities to grow and the whole nation of the Philippines someone to get behind. Both of these guys are world-class surfers and with some more competitive experience, who knows, they could even be the first Filipino surfers on the Championship Tour," said WSL Australasia Tour Manager Will Hayden-Smith.
The pair looked unstoppable, as they took 1st and 2nd at their home event, the Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup in late September. This performance left fans and officials wanting more, giving WSL Australasia a great excuse to put the duo in another event to see how they perform outside of their home break.
Having only ever competed in events at Cloud 9, Tokong and Alcala now get to choose from a number of different events in 7 different countries.
"I'm so happy to have this opportunity," Tokong said. "I didn't think it could get any better after winning at home but now I get the chance to compete again, away from home, I just don't know which one to choose."
Alcala will be looking to one-up his countrymen at whichever event it is the two will choose.
"I enjoy surfing with John Mark," Alcala said. "Being able to travel and compete with him in Taiwan or Australia will be a great experience. It is great WSL is giving us a chance to show what we can do in other waves, not just at home in The Philippines."
Making it to the final of a QS1,500 takes serious talent and competitive drive, attributes clearly possessed by Tokong and Alcala. That's why WSL are so excited to see what they will do with this opportunity.
Giving surfers like John Mark and Piso an opportunity like this will hopefully encourage growth of the sport in their country, along with future career and sponsorship opportunities for the individuals themselves.
At only 18 years of age, it will be the first time that Tokong will venture outside of the Philippines.
"Before I choose which event I will surf at, I will have to get a passport as I've never had to use one before. I like to travel so this will be an amazing experience for me."
Stay posted for further news on which event within Australasia the pair will choose to compete in.
More information on the Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup here.
Siargao Cloud 9 Surfing Cup
In an all-Filipino Final at Cloud 9, local John-Mark Tokong claimed victory at the Qualifying Series 1,500.
Local surfers prove too good at the Philippines biggest surfing event.
The second day of action at the men's QS 1,500 saw deep tubes and heavy eliminations.
A big day of competition saw the field cut back to just eight surfers.
Get a taste of the surf action from the men's QS event at one of the Phillipines best breaks.
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