MOMCON was a success, and I love that “CON” isn’t just about a conference—it’s about building connections among moms while navigating the ever-changing landscape of raising the next generation. I don’t usually attend events like this, but MOMCON stood out as one of the rare gatherings focused on genuine insights and meaningful content, rather than sales or ego-driven showcases.
I thought I knew our kids well, but MOMCON shed new light on how to understand them better, especially their post-pandemic behaviors. Here are 8 insights I bet you didn’t know:
1. GENERATIONAL DIVIDE
ROKI FERRER | Seasoned Marketer & Communicator | Head of Dentsu Gaming
As a Gen X parent to three Gen Zs—Aidan, Joshua, and Raphael—and one Gen Alpha, Yugi-boy, I truly appreciated how Roki framed the generational differences through each generation’s unique point of view, offering valuable insights to help us understand them better.
Gen X is practical, focused on getting things done, and known for reversing Tagalog words. Gen Z grew up in an online social world of Discord and gaming, communicating with emojis, memes, or a simple “mhm.” Meanwhile, Gen Alpha loves co-creating with older generations and has invented their own fancy, “sosyal” terms for everyday language.
2. FAM vs. TROPA
Gen Z sees their friends as their own FAM(ily), selecting them based on compatibility with their personality—making vibe checks and shared values essential. As parents, it’s crucial to curate their ecosystem of friends from kindergarten through Grade 12. Take the time to know your child’s friends and their parents—they are your kid’s extended family.
For Gen X’ers, friendships are about being TROPA—built on loyalty and allegiance, often formed through physical engagement and regular get-togethers. That’s why many of our friendships come from homogenous groups we met in grade school, high school, college, or the workplace. In contrast, Gen Z friendships are more heterogeneous, spanning different schools, levels, and even diverse backgrounds.
3. THRIVERS not STRIVERS
EDRIC MENDOZA, RFP | Chairman, Homeschool Global
Our world has changed, bringing new landscapes, challenges, and opportunities. If you keep pushing your kids to always be number one, you risk burning them out. What truly matters for the new generation is learning to thrive in any situation by developing an empathetic heart, nurturing integrity and self-control, and fostering the will to improve—to be better than they were yesterday. Thanks to Edric for highlighting Michelle Borba’s Thrivers book.
4. GEN Z vs. MILLENNIALS
Two key differences between Gen Z and Millennials stand out. First, social validation is crucial for Gen Z—they value being noticed by the right people, and engaging DMs are far more important than dry, uninteresting private messages. Second, they are highly curious about their world and prioritize trying new experiences and exploring new places.
One standout insight from this slide is that Gen Z has a strong appreciation for history, unlike Millennials, who tend to be less focused on it. Share the history of a place, family, or the food and travel experiences to connect with them meaningfully.
For Gen Z, social media and online platforms are all about entertainment—whether it’s memes, parodies, cute or weird content, or the unexpected. Traditional media like TV, newspapers, and other “old stuff” don’t resonate with them. Their online time is about escaping reality, relaxing, and having fun. Instead of invalidating their behavior, strive to understand it and set clear boundaries, such as no phones at the dining table or during school prep time.
5. IDENTITIES REDEFINED
Gen Z sees themselves as global citizens, placing less importance on socio-demographics or personal biodata in defining who they are. The causes and advocacies they support play a significant role in shaping their identity.
Gen X often struggles to understand SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression). They might directly ask Gen Z if they are straight (which they perceive as less complicated) or if their gender identity is more nuanced, which could lead Gen X parents into the complex world of inclusivity, diverse nationalities, and gender identities.
6. COMPASSION: KEY TO CONNECTION
DIDI MANAHAN | Co-Founder, Keys School Manila | Education Advocate & Educational Consultant
One key takeaway from Teacher Didi’s talk is that genuine compassion is essential for building meaningful connections. It is the foundation for creating engaging and lasting relationships. Start by sincerely asking, “How are you?” or “Kamusta ka?” Put yourself in the other person’s shoes and truly immerse yourself in their emotions at that moment. Be present.
6. MENTAL HEALTH IS A RIGHT
For Gen X, mental health is often dismissed as an excuse for laziness.
For Gen Z, mental health is seen as a fundamental right, with prioritizing oneself as the key to overall well-being.
I will respect this from now on and make a mental note not to be judgmental or make jokes about mental health.
7. NEW CAREERS
Remote Work, Gaming, Crypto Currency, Flat Hierarchies and More Fluid Work Environments are key elements for a successfully career with the Filipino Gen Zs.
CATZ JALANDONI | Country Director for the Philippines, Global AI Council
It’s not AI itself that will replace your job, but rather the person who embraces AI and uses it to enhance their business that will succeed.
8. GEN BETA
The first Gen Beta will be born in 2025, and this generation is expected to be defined by Robotic Harmony, Indy Education, and Quantum Identity—though how these will play out remains to be seen. They will be the grandchildren of Gen X, inheriting a technologically advanced world with increasingly intertwined human and robotic values, as well as (hopefully) a better-managed climate.
One thing is certain: “Gen Beta” is not a great branding name, as it suggests a second-rate generation. It will be Gen Z parents who shape their Gen Beta kids’ personalities, while Gen X grandparents, true to tradition, will happily spoil them.
ABOUT MOMCON
MomCon 2024 was held last November 23, Saturday at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura. The aim is for every mom to learn the 3 most valuable forms of Connection: Connections within ourselves (Wellbeing), Connections with our children and family (Parenting) and Connections with each other (Environment) as well as brands and industry leaders(Community) to find support and resources. Mommy Mundo Founder & CEO Janice Villanueva said, “Connection for much-needed transformation is what motivates us in this milestone event and moving forward to 2025.”
Key Contacts:
Janice Villanueva
janice@mommymundo.com / 09189300313 (viber)
Live an Awesome Life with Christ,
Founder & Digital Creator, Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: This article was written entirely by 100% human, with my own biases, opinions, and insights. The post is grammar-checked by AI.