Name: Kylie Nishida
Hometown: Mililani, HI
Major: Nursing
Random interesting fact about you: Can play the ukulele
HC: Wow, so exciting! You were recently crowned as Miss Oahu Filipina 2015! Can you tell me how that experience was like and the process you had to go through to get there?
Kylie: The experience is nothing like I’ve encountered in life. There were many community service hours to put in, practices to attend to and prepping on my own. I have met so many kind and knowledgeable leaders who really inspired me to go further in life. I was able to meet governor David Ige, Mayor Kirk Caldwell, and other state representatives who gave me knowledgeable advice on life.
HC: How did you hear or find out about the competition? And what made you want to run?
Kylie: I heard about it a few years ago. I was never a pageant girl and knew nothing about pageants but, I decided to go for it for the scholarship-and to really get to know my Filipino roots on a personal level.
HC: How many rounds did you compete in to get to the finals? And how did you choose your talent?
Kylie: There were four rounds: pre-pageant interview, swimsuit/fitness, talent, and speech/gown/Q&A. Fortunately with my hard work, I scored the highest in each round. My talent was hula. I was a passionate hula dancer years ago, so I decided to do a hula dance. I went back to one of my well-respected hula teachers, Iwalani Tseu, and asked her to teach me a dance I could do for the pageant. From there, I put in hours of practice until I knew it was perfect.
HC: Yeah, your hula was so beautiful and captivating! What does it mean to be a Miss Oahu Filipina? What are some of the responsibilities, if any?
Kylie: It isn’t just about parading in a crown like most people think, it means that I have the responsibility of withholding a leadership position and being a role model in the community. It also means that I not only represent the Filipinos in Hawaii, but the younger generation also. I have the responsibilities of attending meetings and formal occasions, joining many community service events, and voicing my opinion on what’s going on in the Filipino community.
HC: Was there ever a time that you doubted yourself during the competition?
Kylie: Yes, there were many times! It was my first pageant and I didn’t know what to expect. Fortunately, I had wonderful family and friends who have supported me throughout..
HC: What advice would you give to future women who want to run for Miss Oahu Filipina?
Kylie: Have confidence. Be knowledgeable. Prepare for hard work. And of course, have fun!
You can catch Kylie, the 2015 Miss Oahu Filipina, around campus in the School of Nursing, doing clinicals in local hospitals, or performing hula and other charity events in the community. If you see her, don’t hesitate to ask for a picture!