A note posted in a Dubai apartment building has gone viral after targeting the Filipino community for frying fish early in the morning, citing its “bad smell” as a nuisance to neighbors. The note, which threatened to involve the police if the situation recurs, has become a hot topic of discussion and humor among Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Dubai.
The notice, reading “WARNING!!! ALL PHILIPINOS,” criticized the early morning frying of fish for its unpleasant odor, claiming it disrupts neighbors’ sleep. “Next time, they will go to the police if this happens again,” the note stated, asking Filipinos to “AVOID frying the fish with BAD SMELL.”
Rather than reacting with anger, many members of the Filipino community have taken to social media to respond with humor and satire. One commenter quipped, “Wow, nagagalit… call police din kasi sakit sa ilong ng amoy nila,” suggesting the complainants may have olfactory offenses of their own.
Another response turned the tables, humorously criticizing the neighbors: “Khalas me no complain, you smelling same long time onion slice.” The comment reflects a shared sentiment among some Filipinos that the note’s author might be equally guilty of producing strong odors.
Some members of the community even considered upping the ante. “Lutuan ko pa yan ng Tinapa at bagoong,” a commenter said, playfully threatening to cook even stronger-smelling Filipino dishes, hinting at a potential “smell war” in the building.
The reactions didn’t stop there. “Depende daw sa amoy din ng nagrereklamo, if kasing baho – ITS A TIE lang ni FRIED FISH 😂 agaraaay,” read another comment, humorously implying that the smell of fried fish might just be on par with other odors in the building.
A few responses called for fairness, with one stating, “Siguraduhin lng ng ngreklamo n yan n hnd sya amoy putok n amoy paa n ewan.. papulis nyo din kc disturbing din ang amoy.” This comment underscored that unpleasant smells aren’t exclusive to cooking and that everyone should be mindful of their odors.
Further adding to the dialogue, a user suggested, “How about you people with very bad smell underarm?! Can we complain you also to the police because you are disturbing our environment and right for fresh air in this country?!” This reaction highlights a frustration with perceived double standards.
Finally, some took the opportunity to make light of the situation: “Atleast Yung ni luluto ang maamoy 😆 hindi Yung NAGLULUTO,” cleverly pointing out the difference between food smells and personal hygiene odors.