Travel updates: Luxury watch week, boosting PH entertainment tourism
MANILA, Philippines — Watches are important pieces of jewelry. Although initially made only to tell time, they have through time transformed into luxury watches made with gold, silver, platinum or stainless steel and studded with diamonds and become highly valuable, especially those made with precise clockwork that certain brands are known for.
Through time, luxury watches become a status symbol as well as heirloom timepieces handed down through generations. They are so valuable not only because of the precious metals and precious stones that they are made of, but also because a lot of them are made with intricate mechanical parts and because brands limit them to only a few controlled pieces to make them much coveted indeed.
Imagine a whole week devoted to watches in a key city in Asia, where visitors can get to see lots of luxury watches and where serious watch collectors get a chance to own their dream timepiece, as Siam Piwat Group brings Siam Paragon Bangkok Watch Week 2026 to Bangkok, Thailand, from September 22 to 27, 2026.
The event is expected to be a major attraction in September that its organizer, Siam Piwat Group, which is a leading real estate and retail developer as well as operator of world-class destinations, has even appointed The Bureau of Wonders (BOW) to be its international public relations consultant to support global communications for it.
Returning this year for its second edition, Siam Paragon Bangkok Watch Week 2026 reinforces Bangkok’s position as Southeast Asia’s emerging capital of watch culture and haute horology. The event will bring together renowned watchmaking maisons, collectors, and connoisseurs from around the world to celebrate craftsmanship, innovation, and the heritage of fine timepieces.
The event also aims to further establish Thailand as a global destination for luxury, tourism, and retail experiences — something that is already happening given Thailand’s reputation as a haven for shopping, food tripping, and experiential destinations.
Boosting Philippine entertainment tourism
The Department of Tourism (DOT) and Newport World Resorts have formalized a partnership to strengthen entertainment as a pillar of Philippine tourism. The Memorandum of Understanding, signed on September 1, places live performances, cultural productions, culinary experiences, and other leisure attractions at the center of destination development, with the shared goal of encouraging longer stays, increasing visitor spending, and supporting repeat travel.
"Entertainment has become one of the strongest reasons travelers choose to visit and return to a destination, and this partnership allows us to bring that experience to more Filipinos and international visitors alike," said DOT Secretary Maria Bernardita Angara-Mathay. "Through this collaboration, we hope to showcase Filipino talent and creativity as part of what makes the Philippines worth discovering."
"This is also an opportunity to support our creative economy, from performers to production teams, while integrating these experiences into our broader campaigns to grow tourism nationwide," she added.
Under the agreement, the DOT will integrate Newport World Resorts' offerings into its Love the Philippines and Discover More to Love campaigns, support the promotion of original Filipino productions, and connect Newport World Resorts with tourism stakeholders in the Philippines and overseas markets.
Newport World Resorts, for its part, will develop integrated stay, dine, and watch packages designed around experiential travel, build visitor itineraries centered on Metro Manila, and explore promotional rates and ticket offers that turn national tourism campaigns into bookable, ready-to-enjoy experiences for travelers.
Live entertainment under the partnership will be anchored by Full House Theater Company (FHTC), Newport World Resorts' production arm, whose latest production, "Bongga Ka, 'Day! The Annie Batungbakal Musical," opens on September 18 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.
FHTC will also serve as the production arm of Westside Resort, opening in Entertainment City this year, which will add four theater venues. Both Newport World Resorts and Westside Resort are under Travellers Group, which is expanding its entertainment footprint as part of a broader push to position the Philippines as the "Broadway of Asia."
Newport World Resorts strengthens this vision through the Original Pilipino Performing Arts (OPPA) Foundation, which supports the education of aspiring Filipino performers, and the Academy for Leisure and Tourism, which develops skilled professionals for the hospitality and tourism industries.
Best resort
Discovery Samal is proudly stepping onto the national stage as a nominee for Best Resort in the Philippines at the DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2027.
The nomination celebrates the experiences and connections the Davao resort has created over the past three years. From family getaways and romantic escapes to corporate retreats and trips with friends, the resort has welcomed guests from different backgrounds to come together, celebrate, and create lasting memories on the island.
The DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate outstanding travel and hospitality experiences as chosen by the readers of DestinAsian. Discovery Samal’s nomination under Best Resort in the Philippines gives guests, partners, Davaoeños, and supporters of the destination an opportunity to rally behind a resort that has made Samal its home.
The resort caters to a wide range of occasions. Its 1,000-capacity ballroom also makes it a key venue for MICE gatherings, strengthening Samal and the wider Davao region as a destination for both business and leisure.
The resort has also grown into a place for milestones and shared experiences. Couples can celebrate at the Chapel on the Hill or along the beachfront, while families can enjoy three expansive pools, the Sandbox kids’ play area, an arcade, and Samal Escape Spa. Just beyond the property, Samal Island’s clear waters invite guests to snorkel and discover the rich marine life that gives the destination its distinctive character.
Voting is open until October 20, 2026.
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