A local Takoyaki store named Taragis has found itself in hot water after a Facebook post promoting an April Fools’ Day challenge stirred up a storm of debate online. The post, which offered a hefty reward of ₱100,000 for anyone willing to tattoo the Taragis logo on their body, quickly garnered attention but soon led to unforeseen consequences.
One participant took the challenge to heart and tattooed the page’s name on his forehead, prompting a wave of criticism and concern over the blurred lines between humor and harm. In a comment on the post, he stated, “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.]”
Social media erupted with mixed reactions, with some condemning Taragis for negligence and insensitivity, while others defended the page, emphasizing individual responsibility and the need for media literacy. Legal threats and demands for accountability were also prevalent among commenters, underlining the seriousness of the situation in the digital age.
The controversy shed light on cultural differences, with some users highlighting that not everyone is familiar with Western traditions like April Fools’ Day. Amid calls for legal action and criticism, some sympathized with the participant, labeling the challenge as an inappropriate prank.
In response to the backlash, Taragis released a statement reaffirming the nature of April Fools’ Day and emphasizing the importance of reading comprehension. The statement read, “Our April Fools’ Day post was published earlier in the day. After that, we received a number of messages claiming that our post was executed and that someone had taken it seriously. Let this serve as a reminder to us all how important reading comprehension is. It is April Fool’s Day. Never trust anything or anyone. The same as any other day. Once more, Taragis Takoyaki is not accountable for the events that occurred. Thank you!”