Norma Flores-Vohra

Norma Flores-Vohra
Co-Founder Philippine Center Foundation of Greater Montreal

Norma Flores-Vohra is at the top of her game because of her
philosophy in life: Believe in yourself, no matter what other people
say. You must have courage, determination and positive attitude
in life to achieve your goals.

Flores-Vohra, who was born in Penablanca, Cagayan, was one of
8 children. Her father, who was in the military, died when she was
12. She grew up and studied in Tuguegarao City. She did her
preparatory in nursing at the Far Eastern University and her
internship at St. Rita School of Nursing on scholarship. For a year,
she worked as a nurse at Cagayan provincial hospital.

She immigrated to Canada in 1966 and worked as a nurse at
Winnipeg General Hospital. In Manitoba, she served as a director
of the Kayumanggi Filipino Association and a member of the
Kayumanggi Dance Troupe. But since beauty pageants had always

fascinated her, she organized the search for the first Miss Philippines-Manitoba in 1968. The
pageant helped the association raise funds and preserved the popular Filipino tradition of holidays
beauty pageants.

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In the early 1970’s, she moved to
Montreal. While working as an
assistant head nurse and acting head
nurse at the Jewish General Hospital,
she took postgraduate courses at
McGill University. Again, despite her
busy schedules, she pursued her
passion in beauty pageants.

In fact, unknown to many Filipinos,
she is one of the founding members
of FCAWI (Filipino-Canadian
Association of West Island) and
organizer of the first Miss FCAWI
pageant. The Miss Philippines-
Montreal, sponsored by FAMAS
(Pilipino Association of Montreal &
Suburbs) was her brainchild. For the
first years, she helped organize the
pageant. She became the first Mrs.
Philippine-Montreal in 1997, the same
year that her daughter, Reena,
became Miss Philippine-Montreal who
eventually was selected as a finalist
in the Canadian Search for Miss
Universe 1998. She became the
international director of the Bb.
Pilipinas of the World (Toronto). In
1999, she co-founded the first Miss
Global Beauty Quest (Montreal). In
the same year T-era Productions
named her a regional director for the
Canadian Search for Miss Universe.
She represented Canada in Puerto
Rico during the 50th anniversary of
the Miss Universe pageant. She has
been the adviser, consultant, mentor
and organizer of the Miss Earth-
Canada.

Flores-Vohra, hailed as the doyenne of beauty pageants in Montreal, has earned the respect not only of the
Filipino community but also other ethnic groups in Canada who often invite her to judge or simply grace their
pageants.

Because of her involvement in local and international pageants, she was featured in The Gazette a few times and a
documentary entitled Tiara. “She is instrumental in reviving the interest of Canadians, especially Asian women, in
beauty pageants,” said Monica Mah, founder of Sholan Production.

Despite the glamour and excitement of the beauty pageants, Flores-Vohra finds time to serve the community as a
volunteer.

Flores-Vohra, who was also featured in the flyer of Order of Nurses of Quebec, organized activities, such as fashion
shows, for the residents and staff at the Maimonides Hospital before retiring.

“It’s a great feeling to bring cheers to the elderly of the hospital,” said Flores-Vohra. “The show is something they
look forward to because it beats the boredom and showcases the talent of the employees.”

She co-chaired the first Filipino Idol Montreal. Presently, she is one of the founders of the Philippine Foundation of
Greater Montreal that donated funds to FAMAS and Filipino Catholic Mission (Philippine Foundation of Greater
Montreal is known now as Philippine Foundation of Montreal which is under a new administration. Flores-Vohra is
still one of the founders).

Flores-Vohra’s efforts to promote beauty pageant, work at the hospital and services to the community brought her
plaques of recognition from the Bb. Pilipinas of the World (Toronto-One of the Outstanding Filipino-Canadians), T-
era Productions (Toronto), Canadian Search for Miss Universe (Edmonton), Kayumanggi Filipino association
(Manitoba Chapter), Knights of Rizal (Vancouver), Maimonides Hospital (the first Prix Meireille Ducoix Award in
recognition of an exceptional nurse committed to nursing excellence. She also received Certificates of Appreciation
from various groups and associations which include Philippine Consulate during Pres. F. Ramos visit, FAMAS and
PHILBECAN. In April of this year, she received the Lakandula Platinum Award (top award) from The Montreal Pinot
Post. This award is given for her exemplary leadership, dedication, commitment, collaboration and cooperation in
the pursuit of the human service, selfless acts of time in nurturing, teaching and building the Filipino community and
other communities in the spirit of generosity and compassion.

Norma is married to Satish, an engineer and has two children: Reena, pursuing MBA in Schulick and Kevin, pursuing
further studies in Australia.