Last January 16, 2026, the AOC Makati Audit and Cabanatuan Branch came together for their Monthly Team Breaktime for the month of December. The gathering was anchored on the theme, “New Year, One Team — Stronger Together in 2026.” which serves as a moment to reflect on achievements, appreciation of the strength built as a team, and renewing commitments to work as on united force toward greater goals.

The program opened with Firm Updates, highlighting recent accomplishments, key system improvements, and newly implemented policiesto strengthen operations and support collaboration across teams. This was followed by Team Highlights, where outstanding contributors were recognized for their exceptional efforts and new team members were warmly welcomed.

The team welcomes its newest members — Benedict Marcial, Kreissle Ann Santos, and David Bryson Soriano. Their addition represents a valuable milestone for the organization, bringing fresh perspectives and a range of skills that will enhance our collective capabilities. The new members are expected to contribute meaningfully to their respective areas of responsibility and to the continued strengthening of our teams. Their arrival underscores the organization’s commitment to growth, collaboration, and excellence.

The firm recognized its Employees of the Month: Carmela Dahan and Chosen Joasiah Huerta from the Makati Audit team, and Elaine Rose Galapo from the Cabanatuan team, honoring their outstanding performance and unwavering commitment to excellence. Their professionalism, reliability, and dedication exemplify the firm’s core values and highlight the impact of individual excellence on the organization’s overall success. Their achievements continue to inspire their peers and reinforce the importance of integrity and consistent effort.

Further segments—such as Quality Check-Ins and Learning—enriched the session by providing valuable insights into the latest regulatory developments and industry best practices. The Upcoming Priorities presentation followed, offering clarity on important deadlines, key events, and focus areas for the coming month, thereby ensuring firmwide alignment toward shared goals.

Adding a lively touch to the program, the EDay Encore segment brought an element of fun and creativity through a series of engaging English-language challenges. Inspired by the team’s weekly “EDay” tradition, held every Monday to promote confidence in using English across chats, meetings, and daily interactions, the activity sparked enthusiasm and team spirit. Participants who momentarily slipped into Tagalog faced lighthearted, playful tasks—or a spin on the challenge wheel—creating moments of shared laughter and camaraderie. This spirited segment not only entertained but also strengthened the team’s communication confidence while fostering a sense of collective enjoyment throughout the session.

The afternoon wrapped up with interactive virtual games that encouraged teamwork and friendly competition. Despite being conducted online, the activities strengthened connections among participants and echoed the event’s overall spirit of unity and collaboration.

This month’s gathering served not only as an activity but as a celebration of togetherness and the values that unite the firm. With the year’s challenges and accomplishments in mind, the Breaktime offered both a reflective pause and a joyful reminder of what it means to move forward as one team.