SPU Manila Music Therapy

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.

16/02/2026

When challenging experiences viewed as opportunities for growth, strength, and wisdom. Thank you Marceleigh Blanche for sharing this internship reflection.

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February 13

Today, we conducted music therapy sessions at a private hospice for patients receiving palliative care. Several visits were scheduled, and the day initially progressed as planned.

Later, Ajarn Puchong, my supervisor received an urgent request from a family asking for immediate support. We responded together. What followed became my first experience witnessing a patient’s passing during active music therapy, and I felt quietly honored to be present as music accompanied the patient’s final moments.

My truth is, it was not easy.

It was not an easy moment to process. The patient had a routine of listening to these songs every Saturday, and this would be the final time my supervisor sang for them.

The atmosphere in the room was deeply emotional. Family members stayed close, speaking gently while familiar melodies filled the space. A nurse stood quietly beside them. There was a shared awareness among everyone present of what was unfolding.

When the patient took their final breath, the room became still. Heartbreaking yet but peaceful. Surrounded by love.

This experience revealed to me the emotional and clinical complexity of end-of-life care. It reinforced that in palliative settings, music therapy is not about performance alone. it is about presence, sensitivity, and dignity during life’s most vulnerable transitions.

Although challenging, this experience continues to shape my professional growth and understanding of the responsibility carried within this work.

16/02/2026

A short clip shared by Marceleigh Blanche's music therapy internship experience in Thailand. An opportunity to observe and participate in a hospital-based music therapy practice.

15/02/2026

So grateful for another wonderful sharing from Marceleigh Blanche, reflecting on her music therapy internship experience in Thailand.
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Feb 12 Post

Yesterday’s clinical exposure in the Pediatric ICU and Oncology unit provided deeper insight into the practical demands of music therapy in acute and end-of-life settings.

I observed the necessity of flexibility in session planning, particularly in situations where patients’ medical conditions can change rapidly. Preparing repertoire for a scheduled session that did not proceed due to the patient’s passing underscored the unpredictability inherent in palliative care.

The experience reinforced the importance of readiness, adaptability, and maintaining professional composure in high-intensity medical environments. I also gained greater awareness of the clinical considerations involved when working across different units, including patient responsiveness, energy levels, and interdisciplinary coordination.

Thank you once again for the opportunity to observe and participate in these sessions. Happy as well
To meet and work with Ai, my MT co-intern.The exposure is helping me better understand the realities of hospital-based music therapy practice.