I still remember when my dad brought one home from the Philippines for me. One of my cousins gave him his personal knife to give to me, for which I will always be grateful. I sent a Taylor Cutlery "Manila Folder" to him to replace it, but I don't know if he ever got.
I also remember that I asked my dad to teach me how to open and close it with one hand. He took it from me, flipped it opened and closed really fast, and then said, "Go practice."
I have one from Batangas, where they originated. Heavy 5" blade with brass frams and stag handles. It is the real deal. I was studying FMA when I was younger and brought it to my instructor. He said: " I don't know how to flip it open fast, since it was not common on my Island, but I can teach you to USE it." That set the tone for me, and I have only been concerned with deploying one rapidly and securely.
Another Pinoy from LuZon showed me how to open it quickly for fighting. Only two variations for regular grip, one for reverse. If you can, get Cacoy Hernandez' book, which I discovered later in my training. He tells some great stories and shows these same methods. It is nothing but practical and WIN. Nothing showy or flashy.
ROTFL, A wise man your dad. Really he is right, the only way to learn is to practice. I cut myself a few time, the trick is to buy a cheap butterfly knife, and intentionally dull the blade, then practice with it. That way, you won't walk around with band-aids, on all your fingers.
youtube has some basics
Rhino - since you understand the culture, you will like this: My Batangas knife has a "bottle opener" spine of the blade. Because you may need a cold beer after some mayhem..8^)
I also have a Pinuti blade which was carried by my buddy's Dad in the Phillipines during the war.
If you like books like me, look for "The Balisong Manual" by Jeff Imada (c1984) It has all kinds of manipulations, carry info and defensive fighting techniques. Also a lot of pictures of 'balisong' butterfly knives. I found the book at the 1500 a year or two ago.