THE NEXT time you turn on CNN and see a story about China, don't be surprised if the reporter on your television screen looks familiar.

Emily Chang

Sooner or later, chances are you'll spot Punahou graduate Emily Chang, who joined CNN International in October as a full-time correspondent out of the network's Beijing bureau. Her stint in China follows a year of freelance work for CNN in London.

“;It's definitely an amazing place,”; Chang said of her new surroundings earlier this week. “;There are a lot of things to get used to and a lot of things to learn.”;

While she takes Mandarin classes twice a week to try and improve her grasp of the language, Chang said she's able to “;get around”; and “;survive”; thanks to the kindness of local residents.

“;I would say people are friendly,”; she said. “;A lot of people in China don't see foreigners very often.”;

When asked what she misses most about home, Chang mentioned plate lunches, Zippy's Chili, Kua Aina burgers and Kailua Beach in addition to her friends and family. She hopes to return home for a visit later this year, but admits there is much work to be done in Asia.

“;Every day in this job is an adventure,”; she said. “;You're meeting someone new ... (and) you're learning about someone's way of life.”;

Want to hear more? Visit my blog for exclusive audio clips of my interview with Chang ...

  THE FINAL Pro Bowl in Honolulu for the next few years (at least) is set for this weekend, which means Clubland gets one last influx of mainland party people before the NFL's all-star game leaves our state.

Busta Rhymes

Get started on Friday with EPMD at Pipeline Cafe (see story for more details), then make the move to LEVEL4 Nightclub and Ultralounge for a star-studded affair with former Pittsburgh Steelers star Chris Fuamatu-Maafala, the Carolina Panthers' Maake Kemoeatu and live performances by Busta Rhymes, Kurupt, DJ Quik and DJ Roc Raida. At RumFire, an official album release party for Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music artist Tony Williams is planned, with DJ Kid Continental on the decks.

On Saturday, an official “;NFL On Location”; party will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, with complimentary pupus, an open bar and appearances by NFL cheerleaders and team mascots. Tickets are $195 for this party; visit www.nflonlocation.net for more details.

  Other Saturday events include rappers Too $hort and Chino XL at Fashion45 Nightclub and the Pro Bowl Reggae Jam with Sudden Rush, Kahakea and Shango at Don Ho's Island Grill. And DJ Clue will headline at Pipeline, while Three 6 Mafia return to Honolulu for a gig at LEVEL4.

  After the game on Sunday, visit Zanzabar for the fifth annual Pro Ballers Ball with Hot Lava Entertainment, or head over to LEVEL4 once again for a post-game concert with Gorilla Zoe and DJ Enferno (Pro Bowl half-time performer and Madonna's touring DJ). Pipeline returns for one last party as well, with 112's Slim joining Memphis Bleek and local openers MIC3 and Spookahuna on stage ...

  MORE PICKS: Local “;organic hip-hop”; group Ill Valley celebrates the release of a new album, “;Fertile Sound,”; at Tiki's Grill and Bar on Friday. Doors open for the bar's weekly Pink Tiki party at 9 p.m. ... Also on Friday, Island Fire Productions and Artist Groove Network move their Shangri La weekly to HUSH Boutique Nightclub and Ultralounge from Diamond Head Grill in the former W Honolulu. DJs Betty, Edit and Mixmaster B will now party with the 21-and-over crowd until 4 a.m. at their new home in Waikiki ... Mixmaster B is also scheduled to spin during Pleasure Lounge at the Honolulu Design Center on Saturday. This new biweekly event features three rooms of entertainment and an affordable $7 cover. DJ Toma will also be in the building to help keep people dancing ...