XIAMEN, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Over 10,000 precious Philippine stamps make their debut Tuesday at an exhibition in the eastern Chinese city of Xiamen, giving audiences a fine display of the centuries-old history of the Philippines.

　　The stamps cover the country's different periods since it started to issue stamps in 1840, said Zhuo Peilin, a collector in the Philippines and the owner of the stamps on display.

　　Philippine Consul General to Xiamen Julius Caesar Flores said that the stamps show the country's political and social endeavors as well as its close bond with China.

　　Zhuo said the exhibition, lasting until May 9, made its debut in Xiamen because the early overseas Chinese from the southern Fujian Province mostly left from Xiamen's port to start their businesses in Southeastern Asia.

　　"The exhibition is expected to enhance the Chinese understanding of the Philippines and cement their friendship," said Zhuo.