VIP Picks: Aureana Tseu

With Miss USA over, Aureana Tseu turns to recording

Metromix

See photos from Aureana's personal collection

Miss Hawaii USA Aureana Tseu likes to keep her ambitions, well ... high. The 25-year-old hula dancer, singer and model dreams of becoming the “next Don Ho to the world,” which may seem a bit lofty, except she has a slew of projects in the works that could very well make her a star.

She recently signed with Avex, one of the largest entertainment management companies in Japan. As part of the deal, she’ll appear at various events and TV shows in Japan. She’s also set to record a Hawaiian CD and DVD to debut in Japan this summer, and recently was hired as a spokesmodel for Ed Hardy/Christian Audigier clothing.

We caught up with the busy Kaneohe gal, a graduate of Kamehameha Schools, about her projects, passions, and of course, what she likes to do for food and fun.

Metromix: How did you get involved in pageants, and what titles have you held?

Tseu: When I was 11, my mom sent me to check the mail, and in there was a flyer for Miss Pre-Teen Asia. I had always watched the different pageants on TV, so I begged her to let me enter. I’ve been Miss Pre-Teen Asia Hawaii 1995, Miss Hawaii Teen USA 1999, Miss Oahu Filipina 2003, Miss Hawaii Filipina 2003 and Miss Hawaii USA 2009.

Metromix: We know you’re a great hula dancer. How did you get into dancing?

Tseu: My mom, Iwalani Tseu of Iwalani School of Dance, had me dancing since in the womb. I’ve been professionally dancing since the age of 13, where I was sent to Thailand to perform. The best thing about dancing hula is the feeling of being connected to my culture, my roots. ... Hula and performing allows me to express thoughts and feelings that are unexplainable through words. Plus, I get an amazing workout.

Metromix: What was it like to be named Miss Hawaii USA?

Tseu: It was a tremendous honor, a lifelong dream come true. I get to work with Hawaii’s elite designers who are also my pageant directors, Eric Chandler and Takeo Kobayashi.

Metromix: And what was it like competing at the recent Miss USA pageant? Any highs and lows you can share?

Tseu: I learned so much at Miss USA. It was definitely intense! Being the country’s most beautiful women is glorifying and intimidating at the same time. The best part was meeting all the girls, learning about each state, and sharing the best things about Hawaii, its culture and its people. I think the most challenging was the lack of sleep. Because of this, it took extra effort and energy to
overcome adversity.

Metromix: Along with your deal with Avex, any other projects you’re working on?

Tseu: I’m president of a partnership, Goldenhula LLC, through which I hope to mentor up-and-coming performers.

Metromix: We know you’re busy, but when you’re not working, what do you do for fun on Oahu?

My favorite place to chill with friends would be at my house. I love entertaining at my home in Kaneohe. Friends will come over, potluck and play Wii. It’s really fun to see just how competitive everyone gets. It’s a riot!

Metromix: Where are your favorite places to eat ?

Tseu: Kua Aina’s! I love their mahi mahi with avocado burgers. It melts in your mouth. I feel like it’s a party all the way to the last bite. And when I’m done, my mood is through the roof!

Metromix: Where do you go for clubbing?

Tseu: Wow! I feel old! I haven't been out in awhile! Haha. I honestly don't know the clubs, but if I really had to choose one, it would be Pearl: great energy from the crowd and the staff.

Metromix: When you're out of town, what kind of local food do you miss the most?

Tseu: While out of town, I really miss my fresh ahi and poke. I try to look for a sushi place or an ethnic food store.

Metromix: What other things do you do on the weekends?

Tseu: I look forward to “sister days” of having lunch and getting pedicures or just hanging out at mom and dad’s house. It’s amazing that the older I get, the more I realize just how much I need my parents.