Another April Fools’ Day has come and gone, and while many brands came up with hilarious posts to mark the day, some went too far. One local takoyaki business, in particular, got backlash for a problematic April Fools’ Day prank. Here’s what happened:

April Fools’ Day prank gone terribly wrong

A now-deleted April Fools’ Day post by Taragis has gone viral. In the post, the takoyaki business challenged its followers to tattoo their logo on their forehead. The first to do the challenge, the post read, would win PHP100,000. One man took on the challenge, but the brand quickly clarified that it was just a prank. 

In a follow-up post, Taragis reminded everyone how crucial reading comprehension is.

“It’s April Fool’s Day. Never trust anything or anyone. The same as any other day,” the statement reads. “Once more, Taragis Takoyaki is not accountable for the events that occurred.”

The takoyaki business has since deleted the said posts.

Pinoys were appalled by what happened

We’re all for fun hijinks, but many Pinoys think what Taragis did was careless and exploitative. A quick look at their Facebook page immediately shows thousands of comments calling for boycotts of the business.

“Boycott this business! Napaka-inhumane at careless ninyo to put up such a prank! Para manlamang ng mga kapwa Pinoy na would do anything for anything for financial relief,” one Facebook user wrote.

Others argued that Albano shouldn’t be blamed for participating and believing such an outrageous prank, considering not everybody knows what April Fools’ Day is. 

“Not everyone knows about the April Fool’s Day, Taragis! Kaya sana maging sensitive kayo sa mga naka-follow sa inyo. ‘Wag mag prank nang ganun ‘tas sasabihin n’yo di kayo accountable dun?” An X user said.

Support poured for Albano

Despite what happened, many have expressed their desire to help Albano, especially after learning that he has a son with special needs. 

Food business ChizMozza vouched to give him PHP10,000.

“Hi, Kuya! It’s not an April Fool’s joke, but here’s a P10,000 for you! We may not be the brand tattooed on your forehead, but your dedication to win makes you a winner for us,” ChizMozza wrote.

 The online community KasKasan Buddies also pledged a similar amount.

Meanwhile, laser tattoo aesthetician Ellah Rennison and Brilliant Skin Essentials, Inc. owner Glenda Victorio offered help to remove his tattoo.

“Kung kailangan mo pabura ‘yan, kuya, visit ka lang samin Oasis Laser Tattoo Removal ako na bahala sayo,” Rennison said.

But the biggest applause goes to the beauty brand Project Glow Up, which pledged a dazzling PHP100,000! Wow!

Taragis owner meets with Albano

Carl Quion, the owner and founder of Taragis, uploaded a new video where he visited Albano. He then asked why Albano agreed to get a tattoo on his forehead, despite the promo being an April Fools’ Day prank.

“Para sa bunso kong anak at saka pang-tuition ng anak ko,” he explained.

Quion eventually gave some cash and offered to help him remove his tattoo. He also apologized for the whole fiasco.

“Kaya sa mga nagkaroon ng negatibong pananaw sa naging April Fool post namin, humihingi ako ng tawad. At sana, magsilbing aral ‘to sa’ting lahat,” Quion emphasized.

Sure, April Fools’ Day is a widely observed tradition worldwide. However, that doesn’t mean you can play pranks that may put people in uncomfortable situations. If you have to resort to problematic pranks just to look cool, you’re probably not as funny or witty as you think you are.

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