Businesses, netizens rally for April Fools’ prank victim

Local businesses offer to provide Ramil Albano monetary prizes after falling victim to an April Fool’s prank. | Photo screengrabbed from Project Glow Up Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines — After an unsuspecting individual fell victim to an April Fools’ prank falsely promising a hefty cash reward, other businesses have since extended support to the deceived party, offering their own monetary assistance.

All this developed after a local Takoyaki shop ‘Taragis’ on its Facebook page challenged followers to tattoo its logo on their foreheads for a prize of P100,000.

Unknown to a certain Ramil Albano, the challenge itself was meant as an April Fools’ prank.

Albano saw the challenge as an opportunity and had Taragis’ logo tattooed on his forehead and commented on the post: “Sir nag-pm po ako sa inyo ginagawa na po wait po ako ng chat ninyo [Sir, I messaged you. It’s already being done. I’ll wait for your chat.]”

But after an unsuspecting follower did the challenge, Taragis merely deleted its post and released a statement — which, as of writing, has now also been deleted — reminding the public that it was only a prank, and that it should serve as a reminder “how important reading comprehension is.”

More businesses took notice of the incident and offered to shoulder the supposed prize for Albano.

ChizMozza, a local mozzarella sticks food stand, offered Albano P10,000, recognizing his “dedication to win.”

“It’s not an April Fools 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,” the business posted on Tuesday morning.

In a follow-up comment on its own post, ChizMozza said that Albano has already contacted their page, with Albano set to receive his prize.

Health and beauty brand Project Glow Up, on the other hand, offered to give the entire P100,000 prize to Albano, also recognizing his dedication in taking up the challenge “full-heartedly.”

“This is not an April Fools prank. We will be giving you P100,000 for being dedicated in taking up the challenge full-heartedly! You are the winner for us!” the brand posted on Tuesday.

Netizens celebrated the development, with many saluting their gestures of support to Albano.

Local candy shop Boy Sweets, also offered a P8,000 prize to Albano amid the incident going viral on social media.

“This isn’t an April Fools joke, but we want to show our appreciation with a little something Even though we’re not tattooed on your forehead, we’re impressed by your dedication,” Boy Sweets said in a Facebook post.

Meanwhile, many pointed out how inappropriate Taragis’ prank was, with some even calling on others to boycott the establishment.

“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 financial relief at a walang kamuang ang karamihan about ‘April Fool’s’,” one commenter wrote in Taragis’ latest social media post.

(Boycott this Business! It’s incredibly inhumane and careless of you to put up such a prank! It’s to take advantage of fellow Filipinos who would do anything for financial relief, and most people are clueless about ‘April Fool’s.’)

“You should be sued for the lifetime of shame for posting and this is not FUNNY. At all,” they added.

“Gagawa gawa kayo ng kalokohan tapos hindi niyo kaya panindigan. Hindi lahat aware sa April Fools’ Day! Hindi lahat ng tao may media literacy,” another commented.

(You create mischief and can’t even stand by it. Not everyone is aware of April Fools’ Day! Not everyone has media literacy.)

April Fools’ Day is a custom usually observed in Western countries on the first day of April.

The day is usually marked by practical jokes and hoaxes, with some businesses even taking part in the event.