SPU Manila Music Therapy

05/03/2026

05/03/2026

Sharing the reflection of Gerome Liwanag's practicum at the Music Therapy Center.

Working with the client reminded me that music therapy is not about the instrument — it is about the individual.

Assigned to a bright and emotionally expressive 7-year-old with ASD and a history of speech regression, I quickly learned that flexibility is essential. What works for one child may not work for another. While piano is often a central tool in our training, I discovered that certain sounds overwhelmed her. Instead of insisting, I adapted — introducing guitar, xylophone, bells, bubbles, rhythm play, and vocal engagement.

Through careful observation and adjustment, I saw how different sounds created different responses. Over time, music became a bridge for connection rather than a trigger. In one meaningful moment, we worked on vocal imitation, and she was able to attempt the word “three” — a small word, but a powerful step in rebuilding expressive confidence.

With the client, I learned that progress begins with safety. Fun and curiosity must come first; learning follows naturally. Music therapy is not about forcing outcomes — it is about meeting a child where they are and walking alongside them.

This experience deepened my understanding that every child with ASD has a unique sensory world. As therapists, our role is to listen — not only to music, but to the child behind it.

27/02/2026

HAPPENING NOW: The College of Music and the Performing Arts students, staff and administrators reflecting on the Way of the Cross. The Way of the Cross is a traditional devotion in honour of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Known also as Stations of the Cross, Via Crucis, and Via Dolorosa, the Way of the Cross had its origins in the Holy Land, but it did not become popular around the world until the 17th Century.

23/02/2026

Elective Study at Siriraj Palliative Care Center 🎵🌱
We are pleased to welcome Ms. Maria Cecilia Basco Algery, a graduated student in Music Therapy from St. Paul University, Manila (SPUM), Philippines, who will be undertaking her practicum elective study at the Siriraj Palliative Care Center, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University.
Ms. Algery will complete her elective rotation from February 11-24, 2026, under the supervision of Mr. Puchong Chimpiboon, Music Therapist (Senior Professional Level) at the Siriraj Palliative Care Center.
This academic collaboration represents our continuing commitment to international educational exchange in specialized healthcare disciplines.

Elective Study at Siriraj Palliative Care Center 🎵🌱

We are pleased to welcome Ms. Maria Cecilia Basco Algery, a graduated student in Music Therapy from St. Paul University, Manila (SPUM), Philippines, who will be undertaking her practicum elective study at the Siriraj Palliative Care Center, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University.

Ms. Algery will complete her elective rotation from February 11-24, 2026, under the supervision of Mr. Puchong Chimpiboon, Music Therapist (Senior Professional Level) at the Siriraj Palliative Care Center.

This academic collaboration represents our continuing commitment to international educational exchange in specialized healthcare disciplines. 🎓🤝

23/02/2026

My Last Day of Internship at Siriraj Hospital
by: Marceleigh Blanche

As I conclude my two-week clinical experience at Siriraj Hospital, I leave with deep gratitude and meaningful learning not only from the patients, but from the entire interdisciplinary team and the culture of care.

Clinically, I learned to approach patients holistically assessing physical, emotional, and family concerns before forming goals. I witnessed how music therapy supports patients in palliative care and ICU settings, and how flexibility is essential as goals shift according to their condition.

Culturally, I learned that connection goes beyond language. Through gestures, tone, and shared presence, meaningful therapeutic relationships can still be formed. Cultural familiarity in music increases trust and emotional safety.

Working alongside nurses, doctors, traditional medicine doctors, and co-therapists showed me the value of true multidisciplinary collaboration. Care here in Siriraj is integrated, respectful, and patient-centered.

Most importantly, I learned that in palliative care, presence is more powerful than performance. Healing does not always mean curing, sometimes it means preserving dignity, comfort, and human connection. This is something I understood more deeply only after experiencing it firsthand.

This experience has strengthened not only my clinical skills, but also my professional identity as a music therapist. I am sincerely grateful to all the doctors, nurses, therapists that I have worked with at Siriraj for your hospitality and care and to Mr. Puchong and MT SPU Manila for this transformative opportunity.

21/02/2026

"Through music, senior high school students from Jose Abad Santos High School (HUMSS strand) students found a safe space to express, reflect, and unwind.”

21/02/2026

Insightful reflections from Marceleigh Blanche, one of our interns—learning in action.

February 19
Supervision Learning
Siriraj Hospital, Thailand

Today’s supervision reminded me that multitasking improves with practice, and competency develops through experience. Bringing positive energy and presence into every session also makes a meaningful difference.

In setting therapeutic goals, I learned to assess clients through three domains: physical, emotional, and family issues. Goals must align with standard music therapy practice, be based on the client’s current needs, and remain flexible as conditions change.

We also discussed the termination process. Therapy may end when goals are achieved, when the client requires another service beyond our scope, due to hospital policy, client refusal, or death. Clear communication and awareness of professional limitations are essential to ethical practice.

I am sincerely grateful to Mr. Puchong and to MT SPU Manila for the continued guidance and opportunity to grow through this hands-on experience.

21/02/2026

Elective Study at Siriraj Palliative Care Center 🎵🌱

We are pleased to welcome Ms. Maria Cecilia Basco Algery, a graduated student in Music Therapy from St. Paul University, Manila (SPUM), Philippines, who will be undertaking her practicum elective study at the Siriraj Palliative Care Center, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University.

Ms. Algery will complete her elective rotation from February 11-24, 2026, under the supervision of Mr. Puchong Chimpiboon, Music Therapist (Senior Professional Level) at the Siriraj Palliative Care Center.

This academic collaboration represents our continuing commitment to international educational exchange in specialized healthcare disciplines. 🎓🤝

20/02/2026

A meaningful journey of learning, collaboration, and professional growth of Marceleigh Blanche at Mahidol University, our partner university in promoting Music Therapy.

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Over several sessions at the College of Music, I observed different components of the music therapy curriculum from diagnosis reporting and clinical interventions to counseling training and structured supervision.

Students presented case studies under Ms. Wiputh’s guidance, reinforcing the importance of strong assessment and theoretical foundations. In sessions with Dr. Natee, we explored music therapy in palliative care and chronic lung disease, highlighting how intentional use of singing, improvisation, and instruments can support both emotional and physiological needs. I was able to apply some of these principles immediately in clinical practice, which deepened my understanding of how theory translates into real-world care.

I also observed counseling simulations, which emphasized that music therapists require not only musical skills, but also strong communication and therapeutic presence.

Grateful to the faculty of the Music Therapy program at Mahidol University for the opportunity to learn diverse and innovative approaches to practice.

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19/02/2026

Another inspiring internship reflection:

Clinical Experience , Palliative Care, Siriraj Hospital Thailand of Marceleigh Blanche

Feb 18, 2026

The day began with the usual morning ground round, where doctors, traditional medicine doctors, and therapists gathered to discuss patient cases. What I deeply appreciated was the integrated, multidisciplinary approach. Each professional contributed perspectives on how best to support patients receiving palliative care. The collaborative discussion emphasized holistic and coordinated treatment planning.

Following the case conference, we conducted several music therapy sessions. Today was slightly different, as there was also a tea gathering organized for caregivers. During this session, traditional medical doctors introduced simple relaxation techniques and stretching exercises. Although I do not fully understand the language, I was able to grasp the intention through demonstration and non-verbal communication. It was meaningful to witness how connection and shared presence can transcend language barriers.

From today’s clinical and co-therapy sessions with Mr. Puchong, I learned three important lessons:

First, social engagement does not always require verbal response.
For patients with traumatic brain injury or post-stroke conditions, eye contact, alertness, stillness, and orientation are meaningful forms of participation. Familiar songs can bridge areas of neurological impairment by accessing preserved emotional memory.

Second, cultural familiarity increases therapeutic safety.
Cultural relevance strengthens trust. Effective intervention is not solely about technique, but about honoring the individual’s background, identity, and lived experience.

Third, palliative care is about presence, not performance.
The tea gathering reinforced that palliative care creates moments of normalcy amidst decline. Interdisciplinary collaboration supports holistic care, where being present can be more powerful than attempting to “fix.” Healing in this context does not always mean curing; sometimes it means preserving dignity, warmth, and shared humanity.

I am sincerely grateful to Mr. Puchong and to MT SPUManila for making this hands-on learning experience possible. This opportunity has significantly contributed to my clinical growth, and I hope to bring these insights back to the Philippines to better serve our own communities.

17/02/2026

Blessing and Inauguration of Pipe Organ

17/02/2026

A glimpse of Marceleigh Blanche's internship reflection, emphasizing that a music therapist acts as a collaborator, makes instant adjustments to music, and focuses entirely on the client's needs.
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February 15

Today was a demanding but insightful day, as we visited five different elderly nursing homes across Bangkok to conduct music therapy sessions.

Each facility operated differently in terms of environment, assessment procedures, and level of support. The therapeutic process varied depending on the residents’ willingness to participate, their physical mobility, vocal ability, cognitive status, and personal preferences. Flexibility was essential in adapting interventions to each individual and setting.

I also became more aware that a client’s engagement is often influenced by timing and mood. Therapeutic presence requires respecting the client’s readiness rather than attempting to control the session outcome. In some cases, participation was also influenced by the availability and support of nursing staff in facilitating residents’ involvement.

This experience reinforced that, particularly in geriatric settings, the primary therapeutic goal is often to maintain or improve functional abilities. whether physical, cognitive, emotional, or social, while preserving dignity and autonomy.

The day emphasized adaptability, collaboration, and patient-centered care as core components of effective music therapy practice.