August 21 is Ninoy Aquino Day, a nationwide non-working holiday. This year it lands on a Friday, so it kicks off a three-day long weekend. Government offices and banks are closed, but the night scene runs as usual. After nearly three weeks of heavy rain from the southwest monsoon (habagat), the downpours have finally eased, so this is shaping up to be the first dry weekend in a while. Here is what to know before you head out to Makati or Malate tonight.

What’s closed, what’s open

On a non-working holiday, government offices, most bank branches, and some licensed money changers are shut. The part that actually affects your night is how you get cash. ATMs generally keep running, but on holidays they often aren’t restocked in time and can run empty faster than usual. Money-changer counters inside shopping malls usually open with mall hours, so it’s safest to change your money during the day. KTVs, bars, and restaurants mostly keep regular hours — few nightspots close early just because it’s a holiday.

Getting around tonight

During the daytime, some expressways clog up with people heading out of the city, but by night central Makati and BGC often flow better than on a weekday. With no office rush hour, Grab is usually easier to catch. The catch: on a long weekend, late-night return trips can bunch up and surge pricing may spike. Arrange your ride home early to be safe.

The rain has peaked, but stay alert

Weather authorities say the southwest monsoon is weakening and fair conditions are returning across the country, though isolated showers are still possible. The City of Manila reported flooding in some areas such as España and Sampaloc, but the water has receded faster than in the previous round, and conditions around España are improving. Major nightlife zones — Poblacion and P. Burgos in Makati, and BGC — are operating normally. Even so, a sudden evening squall can still make a few stretches messy, so it remains smart to keep your night within a single area rather than hopping across town.

Playing the holiday night right

On the Friday that opens a long weekend, regulars fill up the popular clubs early. If there’s a particular girl you want to request, get there on the earlier side. Carry enough cash from the daytime, and pick venues close together so a shower can’t strand you — nail those two things and you can enjoy the first clear weekend in weeks.

When the rain was at its worst on August 17, the news channel ABS-CBN (@ANCALERTS) posted footage of flooding on Gil Puyat (Buendia) Avenue in Makati. Around 9:25 a.m. that day, gutter-deep water stalled vehicles and forced commuters to cross the flooded stretch on foot or by pedicab. Buendia is one of Makati’s main arteries, yet it floods easily in heavy rain. The water has since receded, but if a strong shower hits at night, it’s worth routing around this avenue.

▼ Aug 17: Flooding on Buendia (Gil Puyat) Avenue in Makati (via ABS-CBN)

Note: Information is current as of August 21, 2026. Opening hours and weather can change.