MMDA Avengers and other pranks by brands on April Fools 2016

MANILA, Philippines – On the lookout for the usual April Fools pranks? Your friends and family members are not the only people you should be wary of.

In the witty spirit of the ultimate day for pranksters, several brands have decided to join in on the fun by playing some major gags on their loyal customer bases.

Here’s a list of some of the brands you’ll need to watch out for:

1. 4D Movie Experience – iFlix

You’ve seen the action of Marvel Movies, the Bourne series and all those Mission Impossible films. You’ve sung to the tunes of Frozen’s “Let It Go,” Rent’s “Seasons of Love” and Mamma Mia’s “Dancing Queen.”

Now, you can smell your favorite movies, too! iFlix offers the one-of-a-kind 4D experience that completely breaks the barriers between audience and film. All you’ll have to do is to place your nose near your device and start sniffing.

Just make sure you don’t sniff anything too nasty!

2. Express Parachute Delivery – Google Express

Can’t wait for your latest online shopping orders? Google’s got you covered using the latest, state of the art technology for delivery service: Parachutes.

In the middle of a jog, and you’re feeling dehydrated? Watch out for that parachute carrying that thirst-quenching bottle of water. In the middle of beach and you want to go surfing? Incoming surfboard!

Simple yet effective, Google assures that whatever you need will always be delivered to you at the right place and at the right time. You may even catch the drones that will send up those parachutes, if you’re lucky.

3. VLCRO Seats – Lexus

It’s true that man and machine are connected nowadays, but Lexus takes this to the next level.

Introducing the Variable Load Coupling Rear Orientation – otherwise known as VLCRO seats! By sticking velcro into the backside of our clothes, you become firmly bolted to your car seat, ensuring the proper position as you breeze through highways and take sharp turns.

We’re not sure if it will make a difference in a traffic jam, but hey, at least you won’t be flying off your seat should an accident occur! 

4. Funky Town Pegman – Google Maps 

Here in the Philippines, Google also made sure to let Filipinos join in on the April Fools fun through its Google Maps.

Last year, Google turned its Maps based app into an arena for Pacman and his ghost friends. Now, all you need to do is type in Funky Town in the search bar, and you’ll get to see Pegman breaking some smooth moves.

Don’t know who Pegman is? He’s that reliable little yellow guy you’ll always see in your map.

5. The Avengers – Metro Manila Development Authority

It looks like even our traffic enforcers are trying to lighten up our mood in the middle of the usual Friday traffic jams.

On their official Twitter page, the MMDA posted a picture of 4 members dressed up as Iron man, Captain America, Thor and the Hulk – ready to assemble against the evils of Carmaggedon. Erring motorists, watch out!

Now, if they can only get Scarlet Witch, Falcon, Blackwidow, Hawkeye, Antman, Nick Fury and the rest…

ADVISORY: Expect the MMDA Avengers today. Happy #AprilFools Day! :p pic.twitter.com/K2iv6bugES

— Official MMDA (@MMDA) April 1, 2016

6. Trolls for Hire – Rappler

What better way to address the social media troll issue than to give them productive jobs?

Here at Rappler, we accept everyone – including those who are very vocal about their opinions even if they don’t make sense. Sure, their ideas may seem a little irrelevant to the discussion, but out of the (comment) box ideas can always evolve into the most ingenious ideas. 

So, if you have some forum-breaking opinions to share or have friends who do, be sure to drop us a resume!

What’s your favorite April Fools’ prank this 2016? –Rappler.com

Samantha Santos is BS Psychology student from the Ateneo de Manila University and a Rappler intern.